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A Free Sample Can Be A Snare
Wednesday, June 13, 2012, 2:44 AM
[General]
It is far more difficult to convince a consumer using a television commercial as compared to let him/her take a chance with the help of free sample that everyone is always willing to accept. These companies in fact bank on their products and that the consumers enjoy it and are fairly expected to purchase more of this product. Whenever a product enters its life cycle, it needs to win the trust of its target customers and there is probably no other authentic way out to cop with this challenge then distributing a small number of units as free sample. Since, almost all consumers are samples sick,Cheap Deion Sanders Jersey, therefore companies use this weakness as a strong tool to let their product penetrate into the market. When a company offers free product samples,Albert Haynesworth titans Jersey, they go from hand to hand just like hot cakes as everyone is eager to grab something that is free of cost.
Do you know anyone who doesn't love free samples? What is the purpose of distributing a free sample? Does one need to fill a survey form to get it? Where to get these samples from? If these questions intrigue you, please continue reading.
There is on rocket science to understand why companies distribute free samples. The answer is very simple: giving product for free will open ways to drive up their sales.
While browsing on the internet,Baltimore Ravens Jerseys, you will find many sites luring you with promises of providing prizes and free sample. Most of these sites are fake having no entity at the back end except the scammers to trap you in their snare. They advertise astounding offers to get your personal information particularly of your electronic cards like credit cards and ATM cards because this is the easiest way to loot you.
You can also find large stores like Target and Wal-mart offering free sample of different products. But remember that you have to keep the scams at arm's length. Do not go for the sites or the companies that you don't know; be very careful while browsing to find free baby stuff for your little child as you may find a pop-up window bringing to you a very attractive offer and once you click it,Byron Leftwich buccaneers Jersey, you may encounter several other like this increasing the chances that you can take a trial on any one of them.
Still if you find a pinching desire inside you that incites you to find free sample of different products while you surf the internet,Cheap Harry Carson Jersey, you are advised to browse the sites of actual manufacturers. There is nothing to wonder that there are lots of companies that have a promotion tab on their first page. In most cases,Cheap Jay Culter Jersey, you are not strained to fill out a survey form.
These freebies are provided absolutely free of cost.
This is stressed because there are a large number of people who got greedy and burnt their finger while grabbing a free of cost sample of some product and the more fearful thing is that the number of such people is increasing every year. So don't let yourself be their next prey.
Using Telemarketing Firms to Set Appointments Will Save Time
Wednesday, June 13, 2012, 2:44 AM
[General]
Using a prospecting company can be very simple for you track and see how much it costs for you to get new clients. You can build a fixed number into your budget so you can achieve a specific number of new clients.,Cheap Anthony Davis Jersey
The example of a sales funnel is often used with prospecting. You've got to talk to many people before finding interested folks but you can preserve your time by outsourcing the funneling of prospects down to the few interested ones returning to you.
Many outbound telemarketing firms have phone automation systems that ordinary companies don't have. This permits them to touch sometimes five to 6 times as many prospects as your salespeople do.
Using a prospecting company can be very simple for you track and see how much it costs for you to get new clients. You can build a fixed number into your budget so you can achieve a specific number of new clients.
Many purchaser driven salespeople do not have time to find new clients because almost all of their time is spent in current sales processes and do not have finely honed prospecting skills. Using a prospecting firm lets you have folk whose first focus is new business concentrate on finding new clients.
One of the largest obstacles for most companies is an inconsistent sales pipeline. The consistent use of an an outbound prospecting firm can help keep your sales pipeline full so that your sales can increase. Many businesses do not have a particularly unstable business pipeline. Using an outbound prospecting company can keep the sales pipeline full so that more sales can increase as a result of this full pipeline.
In this tough economy,Cheap Robert Quinn Jersey, it's vital to see where you can make the business more effective. An outbound telemarketing company can let you gain more clients as it can be more efficient and cheap. This article will explain why a prospecting company can be cheaper in finding new clients.
Most people are not interested in telemarketing and put this activity off. This reduces the sales pipeline and increases the expenses to find new clients.
Down economies will make you need to keep your staff as productive as possible. With sales,Cheap Bill Posluszny Jersey, the key is to focus on what you are good at doing. If you are more successful at closing sales,Cheap Chris Johnson Jersey, employing a prospecting company will permit you more occasions to close business,Cheap Terence Newman Jersey, thus lowering your cost per client.
Credit Card Processing Security Scares
Wednesday, June 13, 2012, 2:43 AM
[General]
The most recent attack against Citigroup allowed hackers to access account holders' credit card information and email addresses. The only good thing about this type of attack is that other personal information was not compromised making it difficult to turn credit card fraud into identity theft. Nevertheless,Cheap Warren Moon Jersey, the rise in security breaches is a major concern affecting all consumers.
If you don't plan on using a smartphone for credit card transactions, do not feel you are safe from security breaches in other areas. Just as hackers are learning ways to go around new mobile technology,Cheap James Jones Jersey, the same thing is occurring in other areas of credit card processing. Citigroup Inc is the latest company targeted for attack by cybercriminals. Sony Corp and Lockheed Martin Corp are also on the list making many security experts wary about the security of financial institutions and card processing.
Debit card fraud is also on the rise, most likely the direct result of increased debit card use by consumers. Debit cards may be processed using credit card processing networks such as MasterCard and Visa or using a debit card processor linked to the account owners bank. Unlike credit card fraud which affects consumers available credit,Cheap Patrick Willis Jersey, debit card fraud can drain a person's checking account and trigger overdraft fees due to insufficient funds.
One of the biggest concerns shared by both merchants and consumers is the security of credit card processing. Each time a consumer presents a card or credit card information for payment,Buffalo Bills Jerseys, the security of the transaction comes into question. This is despite efforts within the industry to ensure secure transactions and protection from fraudulent use of credit card account information. Breaches in security do occur,Cheap Buffalo Bills Jerseys, often affecting major players in the industry.
With so much at stake, consumers are urged to learn as much as possible about credit and debit card fraud. In addition, knowing how cards are processed and security concerns within the industry will help account owners protect their information and personal finances. Although the incidents of fraud and breaches in security are on the rise,Cheap Steve Breaston Jersey, the number of transactions processed each day without incident prove most transactions are secure. Always protect your information and know how to spot possible scams which could indicate fraud or identity theft.
With every advance in technology which makes card processing secure, there are hackers and con artists working on ways to access private information. With so many new ways to process cards, fraud is going to continue to be a fear for all parties involved. Take for example a recent article published on PCWorld.com pointing out the possible risks associated with mobile phone apps which are needed to process mobile payments. Storage and processing information is still secure, however mobile apps may be vulnerable to the developers of other apps which may be used in a more malicious manner.
Make A Compelling Offer
Wednesday, June 13, 2012, 2:43 AM
[General]
Let's continue to discuss and focus on how to get those sales. Topic of the day making a compelling offer that no one can refuse. After researching and picking a target market it's now time to offer your product and/or service to that target market. You want to be sure that your offer is so compelling that potential clients will become clients as they are so compelled by your offer that they act RIGHT THEN AND THERE and here's how to make it happen:,K.Williams vikings Jersey
Remember when making an offer that if people don't understand exactly why your product and/or service offer is relevant to them and why they should buy from you.
Next,Cheap Cleveland Browns Jerseys, after answering the above questions it's not time to create your offer.
Make your offer appealing. A strong appealing offer will include the reasons why the potential client should act right then. So be sure to highlight all the positives and benefits of your product and/or service. Inject enthusiasm into your offer. When possible create and show enthusiasm in your offers. This should be no problem since you're excited about selling your target market something they want. When potential clients see the excitement in your offer it's a chain reaction and it makes them excited and engaged into what you're selling. Injecting enthusiasm in your offer will inject enthusiasm in your target market and that enthusiasm turns into sales. Create a sense of urgency. When making your offer try using a sense of urgency by setting deadlines on specials and etc. People are prone to put things off or say I'll do this later,Cheap Scott Bernard Jersey, then forget because we are all so busy. So, creating this sense of urgency when compel them to act THEN or by the deadline to take advantage of the deal so they don't lose out. Send deadline reminders. This will be an extension of creating a sense of urgency. If you have the email addresses for prospects, or you run a commercial,Cheap Steve Largent Jersey, or you send out flyers to the prospects you can send out reminders that the deadline for the special is approaching so to act NOW.
First, to create your compelling offer for your target audience ask yourself three questions first. Ask yourself, what problem am I solving for my target audience with my product and/or service?,Cheap Chris Cooley Jersey, who is my target audience?,Cheap Jake Plummer Jersey, and how does my product and/or service solves the target audiences problem better than anyone else?
The Basics of Selling in This Current Economy
Wednesday, June 13, 2012, 2:43 AM
[General]
3. You must believe that you can sell the product for the price that you are selling it for. In your mind if you feel that your product is too expensive then it will come through in your writing and in your voice. The customer will see right through it and you won't sell a thing.
5. Use the power of sales letters to multiply your efforts. Instead of trying to contact one person at a time, you can perfect your entire selling process and put it down on paper. Record yourself giving your pitch and type it out into a letter format. Use the most compelling parts, create a headline that hooks the reader,Cheap Lyle Alzado Jersey, develop a call to action, and add a solid close. At the end you can include your website and contact information. The customer will need to take another step to get to you this way, and at the same time you are pre-qualifying them, because they are already familiar with the product offer and the price by the time they get to you. This will put you in more of an order taker position, the best spot in the house.
1. Don't cold call if you can avoid it. Use a 2-step, or multiple step sales approach,Carson Palmer bengals Jersey, where the customer is pre-qualified by the time he/she gets to you. With a cold call you know absolutely nothing about the customer and could waste a huge amount of your valuable time.
If you are just getting started in business,Cheap Nate Clements Jersey, or you want to learn to sell more in these current unsteady economic times,Cheap Cleveland Browns Jerseys, then this article is for you. Nothing happens in business without a sale being made. Selling is the most important part of a business no matter what industry you work in. Read on to find out more.
4. Most people are NOT price buyers (roughly only 20% of your customers). Sure, everyone wants a good deal, but most people do not take price as the sole factor in making a purchase. Do not compete on price,Cheap Walter Payton Jersey, instead you will offer high value that will justify a more expensive product. This is also where relationship-building comes into play.
2. Create a relationship with the client for a much higher income. It's fairly easy to sell something to a person once, but if you want a business that is going to be around awhile,Cheap Devin Hester Jersey, then you are going to have to put in some work on the front end. Relationship building requires you to help the customer, even when it may mean that you won't get a commission. The customer will realize that you are trying to really help them out and will come back.
Here are some basic tips that you can use to get started in selling ASAP:
A Guide to Beverage Systems
Wednesday, June 13, 2012, 2:43 AM
[General]
This is the familiar balloon-shaped glass jug unit,Cheap Patrick Robinson Jersey, usually two jugs to a unit, one being filled from hot water run through coffee grounds held in a filter while the other is kept warm on top of the machine with a heat pad. This system is inexpensive and provides a good cup of coffee, providing the coffee is not allowed to stew on the heat pad for too long. One hour is considered the maximum time to hold coffee in this manner. Pour-over systems are ideal for catering operations such as pubs, cafes and small restaurants,Pittsburgh Steelers Jerseys, where demand is steady, but not huge.
Despite what many customers believe, it's not easy to make big profits in the catering business. But there are a few glimmers of commercial light in beverage service From classic Italian espresso machines to the simple coffee machines there is a handsome gap between beverage cost and selling price.
It is very retro to offer customers warm milk to go with coffee,Washington Redskins Jerseys, but there is still a niche market for silver service with the table staff holding two jugs, one of hot coffee, the other of warmed milk. Milk warmers are available from beverage equipment suppliers. The standard of operational and cleaning hygiene when using milk warmers must be high to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.
Espresso machines
These are the machine of choice where coffee quality is of paramount importance,Chicago Bears Jerseys, such as in quality restaurants, cafes'-bars and busy food-led pubs.
They don't come much simpler than this system, but a cafetiere is useful for delivering a pot of freshly made coffee to a restaurant table. They are sized by the number of cups they hold, and a restaurant may have to carry a range of sizes. Check to see if the model being selected is dishwasher-safe,Cheap Michael Vick Jersey, as some are not.
Milk warmers
Cafetiere
Tea-making / water boilers An on-demand supply of very hot water is essential for every catering operation,Cheap Jack Youngblood Jersey, and while tea making may be the main function of a hot water boiler, it has many more uses in a catering environment.
This is the industry term for vacuum flasks that have a DIY dispense facility. They work with a pump mechanism, a lever-pull or by just unscrewing the top to allow air into the vacuum jug and pouring into a cup.
The semi-automatic espresso machines need dispense staff to be well trained in machine operation to provide coffee with the best flavour and the trademark creamy topping on espresso called the crema. Inconsistencies in the drink come mostly through incorrect loading and manual compression of the grains in the dispense head before it is locked into the brewing position.
Fully automatic espresso machines require less operator skill, but staff still need proper training. These machines deliver quality with consistency and speed. They are not as quick as high-speed soluble machines, but the quality of the coffee is every bit as high as with traditional semi-automatic espresso machines.
Pour-over Coffee Machine
In an automatic machine the coffee is held either in a hopper already ground, or as whole roast beans which are ground by the machine and held in a small enclosed secondary hopper.
Airpots
Ingredients represent just a part of the overall cost of producing a cup of coffee, a fact conveniently airbrushed out when ingredient suppliers quote bean cost per cup at a few pence and selling price above £1. But there are good profits in tea and coffee, and the way to them lies in choosing the right machine.
Why Point Of Sale Machines Are Vital For Your Small Business
Wednesday, June 13, 2012, 2:43 AM
[General]
A Credit Or Debit Card Machine Allows You To Accept More Than Cash,Cheap A.Johnson Jersey
If you have a restaurant or busy retail store, wireless merchant services can be a great option. Customers won't need to worry about waiting in line or finding an open cash register and instead, employees can come to customers. Customers won't need to worry about letting their credit or debit card out of their sight, as the entire transaction is done right in front of their eyes. Some wireless merchant services systems even allow businesses to email receipts directly to a customer,Cheap Desmond Bishop Jersey, which helps the environment by eliminating waste and reduces overhead costs since the business no longer needs to purchase receipt paper.
Point Of Sale Machines Are Highly Customizable
Another major benefit of point of sale machines is that they are highly customizable. Small businesses can tailor them to their exact needs. For instance, a small sandwich shop can create a custom user interface that allows employees to quickly push a button and designate whether customers want certain toppings included on their sandwich. In a retail setting, the interface can be tailored to include a button for custom discounts such as a customer loyalty or employee discount, settings that allow an employee to easily process a return, void an item and more. Point of sale machines are typically easier to customize than a traditional cash register,Cheap James Hardy Jersey, which is why so many small businesses prefer them.
This is an increasingly digital world and because of this many people no longer bother carrying cash or checks. This means that if your business only accepts cash, you could be turning away customers before they even have a chance to come into your retail store or restaurant. A credit or debit card machine allows you to maximize your sales and many people find that accepting these plastic forms of payment more than makes up for any fees charged by the credit card companies. Another benefit of a credit or debit card machine over checks is that you know instantly if a transaction is approved. You won't have to worry about customers bouncing checks, which maximizes your profits and eliminates costly returned check fees.
Whether you own your own small business or you're just in the planning stages, you've likely thought about point of sale machines. If you're planning on accepting money for your goods and services (and who isn't?),Michael Jenkins Jersey, a credit or debit card machine is a must have. Before you dismiss the idea of point of sale machines and go with a traditional cash register, consider these benefits.
Point of sale machines are vital to any business,Seattle Seahawks Jerseys, but especially small businesses. While many small businesses fail within the first few years, knowing what your customers want is a great start on a path to success. If you're interested in opening your own business or want to help your existing company succeed,Arizona Cardinals Jerseys, give a little thought to how your customers want to pay. Running a small business is hard, but make it easy for customers to spend money in your retail store or restaurant and you might just be a success in no time.
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Tips on How to Have Repeated Sales - Corporate Ideas
Wednesday, June 13, 2012, 2:42 AM
[General]
Building trust and brand loyalty is very important. You can send them corporate gifts that are useful in their realm of expertise. You can also use it as a branding channel. If you want to create a positive and lasting impression,Cheap Tom Jackson Jersey, then the quality of the gift is important. Build rapport with them,Cheap Okaland Raiders Jerseys, so that they don't return to any other company for their services. Retaining the client is highly important and you must try and impress them.
If you are ambiguous about a client's project,Cheap Matt Forte Jersey, do not forget to ask questions. Many will appreciate the chance to ask questions; others will be influenced by the feedback they read and how you respond to it. Remember that a positive comment or a problem which is sorted out promptly will establish you as a trustworthy seller.
Making sales talk, by either meeting in person or over the telephone does not work. Building a stronger relationship is quite essential, but how do you achieve this?
First and foremost,Cheap Richard Dent Jersey, you must win their trust. Deliver them what they expect and try and reach above their standards of quality if not at least be on par with them. This will soon win their trust and will have repeated sales. First impression that you create is very important. Take extra care while delivering them for the first time. For second and consecutive sales,Cheap Panthers Jerseys, you will know the client well and things will fall in place with just little effort from your side.
Following up after every sale of a product or service is indispensable for a company's success. It will hint them about how seriously you take them,Cheap LeGarrette Blount Jersey, and how much you value their business as well. You can send them your e-newsletter and update them about the new range of products or services that is added to your brand wagon. Offer them some discounts on the next project they give you. This will encourage them to come back to you again. Bringing in sales and keeping sales are two totally different things. Bringing in sales is easy but retaining it is much more difficult.
Sales Speaker Recommends Present Moment Selling
Wednesday, June 13, 2012, 2:42 AM
[General]
Successful sales talks are generally of the third type. As a seller you need to convey a certain amount of detail before a prospect can be expected to make an informed decision. Skip this information, and your offer will be misjudged.
There are three types of scripts:
Say, "I'll make it brief," but don't leave anything out! If they interrupt, let them go, telling them you'll call back when they have time.
Sound familiar?
Sales aren't made in the past or in the future. They can only be made, NOW.
I realize you may not be able to chit-chat like this, with C-Level executives in the big city. Still, it shows how customizing a talk can be beneficial. Providing this opportunity, and sounding as if you are IN THE MOMENT WITH THE PROSPECT, are essential to succeeding.
(3) Extemporaneous: These talks blend planning with a certain amount of spontaneity.
But you have to permit room for customizing. I recall speaking to a buyer in Colorado, and before I got into the main part of the sale I asked,Cheap Ray Lewis Jersey, "Do you know where Delores, is?"
Be completely present for this sale. This means you have prepared, you know more or less what you're going to say, how the prospect will probably respond, and the questions and concerns that will be raised.
How many times have you counted on earning approval for a deal that never came to fruition? How often have you been surprised that someone said, "yes" after you used a standard close, one that rookies are taught?
This seems like a prescription for failure, doesn't it? You NEED this order, and he doesn't.
When seller and buyer are both in THE NOW, there's less effort, more fun, some sharing, and for that time you are genuinely relating to another person, which is gratifying.
But the more you press, the more resolved he is to deny you what you need. Leaving the office, dejected, you start thinking there's no way you're going to reach your quota.
What pushed you off the slope into this sales abyss?
If they force you out of your comfort zone, by barking, "Let's cut to the chase!" you're going to be tempted to skip over vital information that they need to hear, without which they cannot intelligently buy.
(1) Manuscripts: This is where each word is planned in advance, and the communicator needs to stay on message.
Your energies turn to making excuses, which only leads you to feel worse.
For instance, if they sound distracted, as if they're having a conversation with someone else while you're on the phone, pause for a second or two. It makes no sense to continue without their attention.
Yet, there was no evidence to support this belief, and you made it an unfortunate actuality by diverting your focus from THE NOW.
(2) Impromptu: These are off-the-cuff remarks, developed on the spot.
You worried about your bills, instead of preparing your presentation. You counted the commissions you HADN'T yet earned, and worried about the future.
Be Here Now often enough, and you won't have to worry about your bills or your quota!
That's a benefit that most people would pay for, and appreciative prospects actually do.
You weren't doing what I call, Present Moment Selling. Instead of treating this engagement as if it were the only conversation that ever mattered, you succumbed to your concerns about the past and future.
Your prospect is sitting pretty, a salaried type that can string you out, forever. Calm and cool, he is your diametric opposite.
Observe winning sports teams,Miami Dolphins Jerseys, especially how they treat TIME.
At times such as these,Cheap Larry Csonka Jersey, you start monitoring your dashing heartbeat, sweating palms, becoming introverted. Nonverbal cues signal distress to the buyer, who interprets your insecurity as the product's defect.
He starts having an aversion reaction, feeling there is something wrong with you, the offer, or both. Leaning away, you become more aggressive, and tension fills the room.
She did, it was about 4 hours away. As it turned out, she played sports there, volleyball and soccer. I attended a summer camp, there, along the Delores River.
The bonus is that you both forget your cares and woes, fostering a pleasant mood for buying and selling.
You have bills to pay; genuine pressures, and you're going to fall short, unless you make this sale, and the next, and the next after that.
Tacitly, you bought into the idea that the present and future would exactly mirror the past.
But you are not 100% scripted.
A famous book's title sums up the idea: BE HERE NOW.
But I should note that you can be in the moment, but if the prospect isn't, you're not going to make a sale. So, taking the time to ask how they are and to listen for their responses,Cheap Indianapolis Colts Jerseys, is crucial.
After sharing these anecdotes, we had established common ground, literally, and we went on to have a very affable conversation.
Clearing his throat, he tells you to follow-up with him later. It's an excuse, but you treat it as an objection,Cheap Philip Rivers Jersey, invoking all of your "buy now," urgency appeals.
They put their losses behind them, especially lopsided scores. They focus on the current contest, and take it one game at a time, never getting too high or too low,Houston Oilers Jerseys, emotionally.
Which Whiteboard Mistakes Are Killing Your Sales
Wednesday, June 13, 2012, 2:42 AM
[General]
Interested in giving interactive visual presentations? When you learn these skills, you'll have the key to unlock richer conversations, faster decisions, and faster sales.
According to academic research, approximately 65-80% of the population are visual thinkers. People who think visually make decisions based on visual displays. They are often asking for a picture, a diagram, or a line drawing. They want to see what things look like.
Now flash forward.
The first one, well...I'm not sure what ever happened to her.
Now fast forward.
Another participant drew simple charts, built of shapes and critical words. She built a timeline with specific steps that included commitments necessary to get a PhD from Columbia. At the time, she had not applied. But in the vision, all the steps from application, interviews, class work and thesis were clearly shown. Each step was precise, clear and linked to a specific time,Cheap Devin Thomas Jersey, culminating in a degree.
Inspiration: Be clear,Cheap Daunte Culpepper Jersey, concise and commit to timelines. When you envision a goal, project,Cheap Sam Bradford Jersey, or process, define small steps. Break big goals down into small steps that are discrete and do-able. This helps you make steady progress and ultimately complete your goal.
This is a very important distinction. A lot of experts (who are brilliant) forget that this is what a decision maker is really asking. They rarely want to know as much as you do. They just want to know 'enough' to make an informed decision.
In short, ask yourself a single question: "What is the simplest way I can show this?" Your answer will be a sketch, a drawing, or a whiteboard representation at it's most essential. It should be easy to draw,Sideline Black United Jerseys, easy to talk about and easy to understand.
This story is both a cautionary and an inspirational one. Caution: Don't get overly swept up in creating beautiful charts and whiteboard depictions. Sure, make your visual displays easy to look at and easy to understand. But, remember this: the true power is in the ideas and not in the beautiful rendering of the images.
A few years back, I taught a workshop in whiteboard and graphic recording skills. Watching two participants, I realized that some of the worst mistakes come from the best artists. Here's what happened...
They are asking for the very simplest representation of value. They want to see the solutions and benefits from a 50,000-foot view. The forest. Not the trees.
One of the participants created charts that looked like an intricate children's book. Seriously, the graphics were stunningly beautiful. In her future chart, she drew elaborate sketches detailing the process of how she would plan her future. Images included calendars, retreat time,Cheap Chris Wells Jersey, reflection activities, counseling and emerging dreams. It was breathtaking.
You're standing in front of your super busy client. He or she wants to see the simplest representation of what you are offering. Whether you are selling ideas,Cheap Franco Harris Jersey, products, services or solutions-the request is always a variation of this: "Show me what you mean."
Several years later. Guess who has a PhD? Yes, you got it. The second participant.
When your prospect of client says, "show me what you mean!" what are they really asking for? Do they want to see every single nut and bolt of what you offer? Of course not.
Your Business Numbers Are Talking
Wednesday, June 13, 2012, 2:42 AM
[General]
1. List 3 ways that you generate prospects - how could you generate more? Once you find your prospect,Cheap Josh Freeman Jersey, what percentage convert to becoming clients?
Business management by the numbers. As a business owner, your company's numbers are talking to you everyday. Are you listening? I know,Cheap Dallas Clark Jersey, you are probably going to tell me you are too busy to fuss over 'the numbers'. And you might also tell me that if you are staying 'busy' then the numbers will take care of themselves. Really? Your business success is all about paying attention to and acting on relevant numbers. But are you paying attention to the right numbers? I'm not talking about cash flow or your P&L (that's another day,Cheap Jabari Greer Jersey!). Today is paying attention to the basic numbers of your daily activity. How do you track that? Your ability to select and focus on improving them is the key to your success.
The answers to these questions help you to forecast your sales each month. The more accurate your answers,Cheap J.J. Watt Jersey, the more accurate your forecast will be.
Have you done this recently? Take the time today and let me know what you found out,Cheap Calvin Johnson Jersey!
3. What is the average dollar amount of your sale?
4. How many prospects do you have in your 'pipeline' today?
You may tell me this is fairly elementary stuff. But would you really be surprised to know that many business owners never take the time to go through a process like this?
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
2. What is your sales process (you do have a process,Cheap Keith Bulluck Jersey, right?)? How long is your sales cycle?
5 Sure Fire Ways to Overcome Call Reluctance
Wednesday, June 13, 2012, 2:42 AM
[General]
1) Ask yourself if your current job,Cheap Terry Bradshaw Jersey, company or industry allows you the real opportunity to earn the kind of living you can get really excited about. What are the Top 20% in your company/industry making right now? If you were one of them, would you be really happy, excited and motivated? If not, start looking for another job/company/industry. If you CAN get excited where you are, then:
I guarantee that if you follow these five steps, your whole life will change. And on Monday morning,Cheap Brian Urlacher Jersey, you will be the first one in the office and you won't be able to get on the phone fast enough. Your call reluctance will turn into call urgency. I know because it happened to me and hundreds of others I've worked with.
2) Make a commitment TODAY to doing whatever it takes to become a top 20% producer. Your mantra should now be, "If they (the Top 20%) can do it, I can too!" It all starts with a decision and a commitment, and you need to make that TODAY.
4) Lock on to the end result. How much to the Top 20% in your company/industry make? How will your life change once you become one? What are some of the direct benefits you will enjoy? Identify how it will feel every day to wake up and have them. What kind of car are you now driving? How does it feel to be debt free? What is it you really want? Get crystal clear on these things.
Have you ever sat at your desk, shuffled your leads,Detroit Lions Jerseys, looked at the clock thinking that lunchtime was way too far off, and then prayed for the phone lines to go dead? Has the phone ever seemed like a 500 pound weight? If so,Cheap President Obama Jersey, then you know what call reluctance is.
3) Learn and practice the top sales skills, techniques and strategies of Top 20% closers. Become an intense student of your craft -- buy, invest, study and use all the top sales materials you can. In fact,Cheap Merril Hodge Jersey, start here: Top 20% Instruction Manual. Commit to getting better on each and every call.
I hope this helps and for more details, or for direct help on how to achieve this, sign up for my one-on-one coaching. And get ready for your life to change!
The good news is that all this changed when I made a decision to be a top 20% closer. It all changed when I made a decision to change my life and committed to doing whatever I needed to do to be the best. And you can, too. Here's your Five-Step formula for turning your life and career around:
Before I became a top 20% producer,Albert Haynesworth titans Jersey, I had these feelings all the time. I hated Mondays and Tuesdays, hated my job, and dreaded making calls. Pretty dismal.
5) Act as it. Make up an affirmation card and begin affirming with emotion three to five times a day your new reality. Your affirmation must be in the first person as if you have already achieved your goal. How does it feel right now to be the best? Once you create this reality on the inside, your outside reality will change to reflect your new "inner reality" (the key to The Secret). Start today.
The Money Conversation 3 Mindset Shifts to Ease the Fear of
Wednesday, June 13, 2012, 2:41 AM
[General]
You are not asking for money you are creating transformation and value for your client. Whenever you sell your services or programs to anyone, if they are your ideal client,Cheap Brandon Jackson Jersey, they will gain so much more from it than they pay you. We're talking transformation and value that could serve them for years to come. That's the idea. And it's up to you to show them and educate them on exactly how they will gain so much more than they will pay.
You must help your potential clients (I like to call them potential playmates) make the right decision for themselves. What you can offer your clients might be exactly what they've been looking for. But if you don't take the time to give them what they really need to come to that realization (or help them move on if it's not an energetic match) then they might miss out on something that could truly change their life forever. Even though that means that for a moment you have to help your clients feel their own pain so they know it's important to do something about it...take that action.
You don't want to be attached to the decision they make but you do want to be committed to helping them come to the best possible decision for themselves. This is going to be the sticking point for many people. This is where you get out of that "I don't want to be sleazy or pushy" thinking,Cheap Joe Flacco Jersey, and into the mindset of being of true assistance to them. You know a bit more than they do because you've been through the journey. So your part in this game is to help them make the right decision for themselves. To help them tap into their own inner guidance. That part of them that knows whether you and your offer is a match for them right now. The decision you want to help them make is one that helps them improve the quality of their life, whether they hire you or buy from you or not. When you are selling in the attitude of connecting at a soul level with your potential client knowing that you can help enrich their lives,Cheap Haloti Ngata Jersey, your heart & income will soar.
Your SUPER SUCCESS Call to Action
Here are three ways to shift your perspective so that asking for the money you want becomes a natural part of the creative process you propose to your clients:
Begin to practice your money conversation. Practice having the conversation with yourself until it becomes comfortable for you. Focus on the transformation & the benefits the client will receive from working with you. Write it out in detail. Include dialogue and any other sensory details that will make this very real for you. And as always be easy about it all.
For many heart centered entrepreneurs the scariest part of signing on a new client is asking for money. They don't want to seem pushy or use unauthentic high pressure sales tactics,Cheap Tony Gonzalez Jersey, but they also know if they don't ask,Okaland Raiders Jerseys, well... they make no money. And often still when they do quote their prices they often end up only charging what they believe that their client or customer can afford rather than what they truly would like to receive (and what they deserve) for their services or products. They end up under-selling because of fear of rejection which does not serve them or their potential client. Lack of confidence is contagious,Cheap Nathaniel Allen Jersey!
Merchant Card Processing Industry Needs Thousands of People
Wednesday, June 13, 2012, 2:41 AM
[General]
There are millions of companies that take plastic so they must pay for an account to process debit,Cheap Todd Heap Jersey, credit cards and e-checks. Merchants always dislike the fees. It's like your mobile phone service expense which you probably think is excessive. As an affiliate your function is to give one merchant a 20% cash back monthly refund from his account. That's it and you're done. You will receive a 5% commission check from his account and the two of you become partners.
Why be an affiliate instead of an employee? Wikipedia says "An e-commerce affiliate is a website which links back to an e-commerce site such as Amazon.com with the goal of making a commission for referred sales." It's a pretty good definition of the modern-day affiliate marketer but new concepts will require a new definition. When you eliminate "referred sales" and replace it with "free cash" you'll be getting closer to how the new processing industry works.
A new patented process has turned card processing upside down. Your job,Cheap Eli Manning Jersey, if you could call it a job,Cheap Joe Montana Jersey, is not selling but giving back money to the merchant without changing any of his equipment or rates. Everything remains the same except the account he had been paying for years now becomes an unlimited money generator. This concept or idea has never even been thought of by other companies and that's why only one company is looking for help.
If you are tired of flipping burgers the merchant card processing industry has thousands of openings for affiliates who can write their own paycheck for any amount. Why visit the Employment Security Commission trying to find a job that converts hours to dollars when you could be earning a fortune by giving away free money to everyone you come in contact with?
Instead of standing in line at the SEC,Cheap Julius Peppers Jersey, you can become an affiliate in the merchant card processing industry and help literally hundreds of thousands of people and merchants to write their own paycheck for any amount they desire. So stop worrying about money because all applications are accepted in this strange new world of free money.
You may be wondering how this new thinking evolved and how can it make you rich by giving away money. You see this top 40 processor that won all the top industry awards in 2010 was processing a little over $4 billion a year which is a fairly small amount when you consider the overall market is a $5.4 trillion industry. They decided to use their advanced technologies and systems to move up the ladder of success to become number one.
Because there are millions of merchants that would appreciate the free money you will need more people to contact all of them which is step two. You or your merchant partner can give the system to others who in turn give it to others and a down line is created. Both you and your merchant partner receive commissions from every new account in your down line all the way down to infinity. The amount of money created using this method becomes astronomical.
Marketing Made Simple For the Small Business
Wednesday, June 13, 2012, 2:41 AM
[General]
Having carried out the exercise, brainstormed all the points, it is now important that an action list is compiled. Consider those that are the easiest to implement or deal with. Prioritise based on their likely input on the turnover of the business. The action list must be specific about WHO should carry out each task, and by WHEN. The list must be challenging but realistic.
For example, the world renowned and excellent Philip Kotler goes some way to create total confusion. His definition of marketing is as follows. "The societal marketing concept holds that the organisation's task is to determine the needs, wants, and interests of target markets and to deliver the desired satisfactions more effectively and efficiently than competitors, in a way that preserves or enhances the consumer's and the society's well-being."
First, there needs to be an understanding from all that EVERYONE in the workforce has a responsibility for marketing. How many times have you heard someone berating their employer,Cheap Jimmy Clausen Jersey, the way they go about day to day business, and their supposed incompetence? What picture does that paint for you? Clearly employees must buy into the principal, and show pride in their employer.
It is amazing how many small companies have not done a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats). And those that have admit it was done over 7 years ago! And to go hand in hand with a SWOT analysis is a PESTE analysis (political, environmental, social, technological,Cheap Derrick Brooks Jersey, economic). These simple charts can be easily made, or downloaded from the internet. They can also be scribbled on a blank piece of paper!
"Marketing is Creating the Conditions to make Selling Easier".
Many small businesses do not have a 'Marketing Department', or someone dedicated to the task. Irrespective of whether the business or entity has dedicated marketing, many of the messages herewith hold true, no matter whether you are IBM, or Joe's Kitchen Supplies.
Over the years I have heard numerous comments, for example, "We are too small to worry about marketing." Other negative comments include "If only we had the time to do marketing", "These marketing people talk in jargon, it's not relevant to us", "Marketing costs so much, it's way beyond our means".
The Chartered Institute of Marketing put it slightly more succinctly, "Marketing is the management process responsible for identifying, anticipating and satisfying consumers' requirements profitably".
Many small companies are highly confused about marketing, and really its not surprising.
Providing the means used in the definition are legal and ethical,Cheap A.J. Green Jersey, then this principal should serve the small business well when considering marketing ethos. Marketing exists because companies must sell to survive.
If this sounds time consuming, then you have probably over complicated your understanding of the process.
Why have different levels of staff carrying out the exercise? Providing the owner realises that no one person has a monopoly on good ideas then the answer is obvious. Clearly, different people will have a different perspective and viewpoint about aspects of the business. The view from the bottom is likely be very different from that at the top. The new recruit may have recent experiences that identify unknown weaknesses or strengths, and has viewed the issues with a new set of eyes.
Happy marketing.
Indeed all the above are correct, but for the 'micro' and the SME we need to simplify this further.
So,Cheap Jerry Hughes Jersey, let us consider some of the simple aspects of marketing.
Answering the phone promptly & courteously.
Allowing customers to enquire / place orders over the internet.
Having clear and concise paperwork / literature etc.
Having a clean van.
Smart and clean dress sense.
Developing a sense of pride in your employment.
Where clear actions have been identified, actioned and clearly had an effect, try to quantify any subsequent increase in turnover as a result (where possible).
The energetic and charismatic Tom Peters also keeps it brief. "The relentless pursuit of an almost familial bond between customer and product".
Once you have created a sense of belonging, and joint marketing responsibility within your team, you will start to observe a level of creativity within the business that can reap tangible rewards. Of course, during tough times,Cheap Gale Sayers Jersey, it clearly makes sense for each employee to provide thoughtful input into the business from a job preservation perspective.
With ALL actions identified,Cheap Donte Whitner Jersey, question, "will this action Create the Conditions to make Selling Easier"? If the answer is no, then put this action at the bottom of the list.
There are of course many other simple and inexpensive things that can be done. At this point, take 5 minutes to write down three simple things that can be easily adopted within your business, and will make selling easier.
I particularly like the following.
Keeping each analysis short is key. More than 15 minutes spent on filling in the SWOT or PESTE form is likely to pressurise an individual to seek issues that are peripheral, rather than key. An independent arbiter is important during the brainstorm, particularly if the 'junior' has any bold observations likely to disturb the boss! Repeating the exercise some 6 months later can, in many cases be the key to determining whether the company has made progress or not.
Of course these are all misguided comments, but to be fair to small business owners, it can be considered a function of some of the dogma delivered by 'so called' Marketing Guru's.
I would wager that most people could recite this definition no more than twice, and still remember it the following day!
No disrespect here, but I think he must have swallowed a dictionary. Try reciting this five times before going to bed, and see whether you can recall it the following day.
Some golden rules for delivering a full and meaningful SWOT and PESTE analysis.
1.. Ensure that the exercise to fill in the SWOT and PESTE is carried out by the Company Owner, someone in middle management, someone junior in the business, and the most recent recruit (where possible)
2.. Ensure that each person spends no more that 15 minutes on SWOT and same for PESTE
3.. Bring in an independent person to chair and arbitrate on the subsequent brainstorm
4.. Repeat the exercise every 6 months
5.. Evaluate all progress in each case
6.. Take corrective action where the business appears to have taken a retrograde step.
Promotional Products - Hot Favorite to Enhance Your Business
Wednesday, June 13, 2012, 2:41 AM
[General]
Promotional products are something that are determined to enhance your business and sales process. It gives a new lease of life and can bring a sure short victory to all the efforts taken. Marketing and advertising are 2 important factors to develop the business. Many enterprise owners employ the usage of promotional products to multiply the effects of advertising. However,Cheap Brandon Marshall Jersey, it is found that most of the business vendors use it less effectively. People are so interested in giving out tons of pens,Cheap Houston Oilers Jerseys, caps that are void of company name and brand logo. However,Cheap Lawrence Taylor Jersey, these products rarely give a chance to think about the company offering these products.
The individuals will be really glad to accept products that will have the maximum usage. What is the use of giving away products that are of no use to them? People will have loads of such products without finding a single use. This will not have any kind of impact in the buyer's mindset. This will ultimately lead to ineffective marketing and loss of capital.
It is highly recommended to identify the right kind of audience to give away the promotional products. It is not a good thing to give away the products to every third person in the street who might be of no use or no way connected to the business requirements. Make sure you know the ways to identify your customers in order to target them. This will help the enterprise owners to have maximum returns on the investment. The success rate of the marketing plan will improve drastically by doing things in the right manner.
Some of the most recommended and widely accepted promotional products are sticky pads,Cheap Earl Campbell Jersey, note pads,Cheap Vikings Jerseys, pens with the company brand name and log inscribed on them. People will use them effectively and will remember your services and company name whenever they get a chance to use the product. These products are cheap and can be bought in huge quantities to avail great discounts and offers. It is important to apply common sense while selecting these products to brand your services.
The basic thumb rule while giving away promotional products is to print the company name and logo on them. This will help in improving the brand visibility in the long run. A quality product given away with good number of usage will highly influence the buyer's mindset. It prompts them to recommend your services and products to their friends and family members. Thus,Cheap Falcons Jerseys, the companies can gain more number of customers without spending a dime. These people will act as the brand ambassadors to your services in the long run. The word of mouth kind of advertising will help in getting better reach. Make sure you print your logo and company name that will speak volume and stay forever in the minds of people.
Target The Right Audience
Give them what they want
Print Your Company Name And Logo
There are certain factors to be considered while giving out promotional products to the targeted audiences.
The Sword of Influence
Wednesday, June 13, 2012, 2:41 AM
[General]
3. The next fear reaction is a bit tougher to take: enforcement. If you push through the delay tactic, he might even get a bit angry or frustrated that you called his bluff. He might (in extreme cases) yell or call you names. Don't worry; you have simply arrived at the third (and final) fear stage. Congratulate yourself (silently) and proceed. Despite all the reasons, objections and arguments and doubts he expresses, just know they are all based in fear.
Why does the person experience fear in reaction to your persuasion? He is afraid of failing or making a mistake or buying the wrong product,Cheap Brandon Banks Jersey, getting ripped off, or getting blamed for messing up. He has been burned before and vowed not to do it again. The more experienced the person, the more likely you are to encounter these fear reactions. You are dealing with an intelligent person who intends to make good decisions, and he has promised himself not to make poor decisions. So, as you start to persuade, he develops anxiety, agitation and apprehension about the pitch. He wraps himself in a "brick coat" to defend himself. The coat is made up of all the arguments you must overcome to persuade him.
1. When you first approach the person, the truth is he has no idea what you are approaching about. The first brick in his coat, therefore, is fear of the unknown. What do you want? What are you asking? What might you make him do? You will notice the person, especially if you approach enthusiastically, will instinctively back off until he knows what you are talking about. Even after that, he might not move toward you or join your enthusiasm for quite some time.
The Stages of Fear
Confidently and calmly,Cheap James Hardy Jersey, continue to reassure him of you and your idea or plan. Stay upbeat and positive and INTEREST him in it by being interested in him and his ideas. If you can push through these fear reactions, he will eventually move through the fear and doubts and upsets. Your confidence and positive energy and INTEREST will win the day and he will agree with you. The best part is that you have both won. You used your impeccable influence skills and he made the right choice. It's a win-win situation.
There is one fundamental human reaction to all attempts to persuade, influence or sell. It is FEAR.
2. As soon as you have described your purpose in talking to him, the next set of reactions are called prevention or inhibition reactions. These reactions add time, prevent or prohibit your actions from happening. He is trying to hold you off, stop you, prevent you. "Let's talk next week." "I need to check with my wife." "I'm not sure I have enough information; I'll have my associate start some due diligence for us." These are all prevention reactions. The most common of these is the "delay" reaction. As the persuader, you need to know that the biggest enemy you have is time. The more time he adds,Cheap Patrick Chung Jersey, the more likely he is to say no. Just know that these delay tactics are simply irrational fears and proceed with the conversation. Do not allow the person to "think about it" (thinking doesn't take any time) or to take time off from the conversation. Just keep pushing ahead. While he wants time to work against you,Cheap James Jones Jersey, you need to make it work for you by staying interested.
Perhaps you would like to wield some influence in your organization. You want someone to believe you,Cheap Ryan Clady Jersey, follow your plan, take your suggestion, promote you. You want someone else TO DO something! You have to convince that person that you are right,Cheap Jaguars Jerseys, that he should listen to you. The first thing you need to know is how he is going to react to you.
The New Rules Of Marketing And PR For Sales Professionals
Wednesday, June 13, 2012, 2:40 AM
[General]
,Cheap Patrick Robinson Jersey
According to BuzzLogic and JupiterResearch's report "Harnessing the Power of Blogs," blogs influence nearly one in five readers at crucial purchase-decision stages. Although there is abundance of blogs from sales trainers, CEOs and marketing experts, only a few are written by successful salespersons. So, you can start writing your own blogs to attract your target customers. You may also write a Guest Post for others blogs.
Join an Online Community
For years, marketers and sales professionals have relied on expensive, yet outdated marketing and PR techniques. However, the rules of marketing and PR have changed immensely with the introduction of the Internet. Smart salespersons use the medium to reach their buyers directly. They communicate directly with their customers through blogs,Cheap Cleveland Browns Jerseys, videos,Cheap Clay Matthews Jersey, e-books and the social media,Cheap Todd Heap Jersey, establishing personal links with them.
Use social networking to connect to a large number of people. Networking platforms, such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and MySpace, offer the perfect media for attracting people towards your product or services.
Some interesting topics include:
There are several online groups on hobbies, interests and vocations. You can join groups that relate to your company's products and services. For instance, if you are a sales person in a software company, you can join a group of IT experts. Increase your online presence,Cheap Christian Ponder Jersey, and start participating actively in discussions. Post queries and discussion topics. Tell the members about the solutions you can offer. However, refrain from selling your products up front.
A sales professional can utilize the new marketing and PR rules to establish new contacts,Marcus Allen chiefs Jersey, build credibility and generate leads. It can help also them influence the buying decision of customers.
While your blog should offer valuable information for readers, it should not violate legal rules or divulge confidential information about your company or customers. You can also link the blog to your company website.
Social Media
Start Blogging
1. How your solutions contributed to your client's success
2. Your company services or products.
3. Other topics of interest for your potential customers.
You can also create videos for your services, products or success stories. These can be posted on business-focused online video libraries for public viewing.
The New Rules of Marketing and PR: What You Should Know?
Buyers Are Liars
Wednesday, June 13, 2012, 2:40 AM
[General]
As I started out in my sales career I thought I was the greatest salesperson of all time. In one day I had 4 customers promise me they were going to come back and buy my product later on during that day. I had two more customers' promise me they were going to come back and buy as soon as the settlement money they were expecting arrived. Needless to say that none of these people ever came back to buy anything at all. These people never intended to buy from me at all. They needed a way out from the purchase and I did not know how to close the deal.,Cheap Selvin Young Jersey
One of the first things you must remember as a sales professional is that you will always face objections from potential buyers. It is your responsibility to be prepared to handle whatever objections they give you. In the examples above I attempted to find out if there was another person who needed to take part in making the final purchasing decision. When you have all parties present it eliminates the buyers ability to use the objection that they need to bring someone else to validate there purchase. This objection is usually the easiest way out of a pressured sales pitch for any perspective buyer. Try to avoid this objection at all cost.
If you want buyers to be honest with you it is important for you to be honest with them. As a salesperson you set the tone of your interaction with the customer. Ask Leading questions that are direct and to the point. Try to avoid yes and no questions. Make sure that the person is truly a buyer and not someone wishing they could buy now. Learn how to distinguish between a buyer ready to be closed and a shopper looking for information or doing research. If you succeed at asking the right questions you will get the truth out of your buyers otherwise,Cheap Josh Beekman Jersey, you will come to the reality that most buyers are liars because they are just not ready or maybe even able to buy right now.
The important thing to remember when you are in the middle of your sales process is to listen to the customer. They will give you clues to let you know if they actually intend on buying today or not. You must learn to ask probing questions. Do not even begin to demonstrate your product or service with out asking probing question first. One example of a probing question would be,Cheap Brian Urlacher Jersey, "Mr. Customer is there anyone else who you will need to discuss this purchase with before you are able to make a decision"? Another example would be,Cheap Arian Foster Jersey, "Mrs. Customer I have two appointment times available to meet with you and your husband does morning or afternoon work better for you guys"?
Treasure Maps for Business Sales
Tuesday, June 12, 2012, 2:22 PM
[General]
An Organisation Chart tells you how a business has structured itself to serve its prospects and customers and, combined with a bit of investigative questioning, reveals the areas where that business is experiencing growth, contraction and various other challenges. In other words,Cheap Braylon Edwards Jersey, it provides a short-cut and a context for understanding the business at an operational level and the types of problems that any solution that you may propose will need to address.
Oh, and one other thing, your map will be different for every sales opportunity even in the same account.
Another is that a lot of sales people are action oriented "people" persons. That is, they have a preference for,Cheap Shaun Alexander Jersey, and trust in, information/opinions that they gain from direct interaction with people in their accounts. If a contact says, "You need to talk to the CIO about this" they take it at face value and try to arrange the meeting. They prefer to be guided by information provided by others (who should or might know) and to take action rather than "waste" time analysing a "bunch of Org Charts". Without a fully developed Organisation Chart, their biggest risks are that they will be led astray, intentionally or unintentionally, by an "opinion" that they took as "information" or that they will have too narrow a view of who the "important" people are in their opportunity. Either way, why take the risk? A few minutes of regular focus on your Opportunity's Org Chart will reveal whether acquired information is making sense, who could verify it for you and whether you are talking to all the people you need to.
Most organisations will have them on their web sites but, even if they don't, you need to create one by talking to your contacts. The initial map may be accurate but it is unlikely to be comprehensive enough or detailed enough for your purposes. It needs to be regularly validated,Jonathan Vilma jets Jersey, updated and expanded during the course of your Sales Campaign. Remember, any time spent, on understanding the Organisation Chart is time spent understanding your target's business and needs, identifying who you need to sell to and determining the value that you need to communicate. It represents some of the most valuable time you'll spend on your opportunity.
As soon as you get a sniff of buried treasure you need to get a map.
You'd probably ask; "Where is it?" or, because we're talking about "buried treasure", you might ask; "Do you have a map?" Good question. It would be almost impossible to find the treasure without a map,Cheap Tedy Bruschi Jersey, wouldn't it? Where would you start?
An Organisation Chart also reveals the culture of a business. One of the practical definitions of "culture" that I like is that culture is "the way we do things around here". It is inevitable that, over time, "the way we do things around here" becomes formalised into the Org Chart. The culture of a business reveals the values of the business and those values can be seen through the Org Chart. When I was selling large IT systems one of the first things I'd look at was the CIO's reporting line. Most Chief Information Officers tended to report into the CFO/Director of Finance. Some reported directly to the CEO. Which companies do you think saw IT as a cost centre and which saw IT as strategic to their business? Did it make sense for me to emphasise different value points of my solution depending on the CIO's reporting line?
Imagine if I told you that there was buried treasure within driving distance of your place of work. What would your reaction be?
Given that understanding your target's Org Chart helps you understand their business, culture, values, the most important people for your opportunity, the political structure around it and where your competition is engaging, why do so few Sales People focus on it?
High level strategic selling courses such as Target Account Selling (TAS), Holden, etc.,Cheap Troy Polamalu Jersey, make the point that the formal Org Chart is only half the story, that you need to look at the informal or political structures around your opportunity. They are absolutely correct. The first step in uncovering the political structure around your opportunity is documenting and understanding your target's formal Org Chart. Even before you get to the level of political analysis, working on the Org Chart will start to reveal who your competition has had contact with and the messages that they have been delivering.
One reason is that some of them don't understand the true value of an Organisation Chart (and hopefully this article has helped address some of that).
I continue to be amazed at how many business sales professionals do not bother with acquiring,Cheap Joey Porter Jersey, creating, documenting or analysing the Organisation Charts for their sales opportunities. Consider this.
You will win a piece of business if the most important individuals in your opportunity perceive your solution as delivering the most value compared to your competition. Many sales people will automatically link the notion of "importance" to a Job Title and the "seniority" of that title. For example, if I'm selling IT, the most important individual must be the CIO. This may be the case but it doesn't have to be. I have sold multi-million dollar IT solutions to large organisations never having had a meeting with the CIO in the process. On other occasions, I've had to have several meetings with a CIO, for relatively small ticket items, to get the sale. It all depends on the context of the Sales Opportunity. That context is revealed through the Org Chart.
Well firstly, you'd think that I was a crack-pot and wouldn't even consider the possibility that I knew what I was talking about. But, this is just an imaginary scenario, so let's pretend that you did believe me. What would be the first question you'd ask me?
The good news for every sales person selling to a business is that there is always a map to your "buried treasure" (your Sales Opportunity). It's called an Organisation Chart.
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