Will You Add? - Business

Simple Tips for Writing Sales Letters
Sales letters are among the most useful marketing tools that marketers, advertisers and companies use nowadays. There are too many companies competing in the market today, so the battle also entails each to effective come across and get in touch with the consumers.Sales letters are personalized letters that are intended to convince recipients into buying services or products. These letters are one of the many new forms of persuasive communication.Through the years, marketers and advertisers have actively used print, radio and Internet ads to herald products and brands. Now, people are starting to get bored of them. Ads would not enjoy attention if they are not creative and catchy enough.So, people behind the marketing teams of companies are trying out other innovative means and tools to promote products. Thus, you can read forum posts telling people about products, or you can personally talk to a sales personnel that would do a lively demonstration on how to use a product.People get excited when they receive letters. It is because letters can bring about so many informa

ot afford to be lacking in either category.

5. Be prepared. Know something about the company before you arrive there. The internet provides unlimited access to data like never before in history. Be prepared before your call. Learn about the company. Be familiar with their structure, politics, community standing, legal problems, financial condition, their products, their customers, etc… Your communications with company individuals will be far more effective if you arrive well-schooled.

6. Ask effective questions. Let them do the talking. Learn all you can. Your initial research as described above will enable you to probe, asking effective and relevant questions to uncover the customers’ real issues, needs and wants. Listen and make notes. You will be seen as prepared and knowledgeable hence inspiring respect from your customer.

7. Develop a sales plan and a strategy for developing your relationship with this

Successful Job Search: Knocking Out The Competition
Most of the time, competition stimulates us, gets our juices flowing, generates creativity, a sense of excitement, and motivates us to perform at our best. Looking for work is another matter! When it comes to financial survival, to regaining independence and self-worth, competition can be crippling.We apply for a job in the fervent hope that hundreds of others are not also applying. Finding work is too serious an issue to be considered a game or a sport. We need to find that position that will make everything all right, make us believe in ourselves again, and help rebuild the self-esteem and self-confidence shattered by unemployment.Unless we are very lucky, there will be competition for every position we identify. Our remaining option is to set ourselves apart from other hungry applicants.How?Take a global view and emerge from the dank and slimy job search swamp by utilizing a number of techniques I call knock-out P-U-N-C-H-E-S, guaranteed to leave your competitors crying "Uncle" and throwing in the towel.1. P is for Persistence.We all hate failure. We don

Competitors. No matter what industry or what products and services you may be selling, you undoubtedly have competition. At times, this fact may cause you considerable distress, while, in reality, our competitors keep us on our toes, always forcing us to further refine our message and methods in the hopes of ultimately winning the sale. So… thank you Mr. Competitor. We appreciate your efforts!
Our view of the competition, while varying at times, is our key to responsive selling and keeping our efforts focused where they should be… on the customer. Our competitors really do keep us sharp. We must know their strengths and weaknesses as well or better than we know our own. We must truly understand their products and services from our customers’ viewpoint. If indeed our quest is to fully grasp the true nature of the needs and wants of our customers, then we must likewise have a full grasp of the myriad of choices that confront them as well as the manner in which our products and services can meet their expectations, offering more value than our competitors do.
That’s fine. That is Selling 101 with an advanced flair. We must grow accustomed to do far more than that if we truly wish to be known as the superior alternative in the eyes of the customer. If today’s savvy customer already expects a quality product, a fair price, on-time delivery, ease of order entry and a smooth flow of the entire transaction, then what is there left to do? Plenty!
It’s seldom only the big things that your customers notice, but rather the summation of the many “little” things along the sales path that make a tremendous difference in their perception of you and your company. It begins with common courtesy, and that starts with the company receptionist.
1. Treat the company receptionist and other employees at every level with respect. Many salespeople see her of little consequence or may even treat her rudely. First, she is deserving of respect just because she is a human being. She is also doing her job to the best of her ability. Her supervisor frequently calls on her to fill-in or perform many other office functions, often without much expressed gratitude. That receptionist certainly talks to other employees and often is part of the administrative side of purchasing, especially in smaller firms. If you are perceived as rude in any way, you have just burned your bridge with both the gatekeeper and the buyer.
2. Always speak in a professional manner. There is no room for off-color remarks or dark, “street-corner” humor. Professional salespeople never include harsh humor or foul language in their vocabulary. This alone is often enough to differentiate you from some of your competitors. If you would not say it in church or to your grandmother, don’t say it to your customer. Never degrade any person, race or creed.
3. Look the part of a sales professional. Dress appropriately. While it is not always necessary to wear a suit or even a dress shirt and tie, there is never an excuse for wearing old, dirty, wrinkled or inappropriate clothing while visiting a customer’s facility. So often, an acceptable mode of dress is a freshly pressed company-logo golf shirt and pressed khaki slacks with leather belt, leather shoes and socks. I have seen everything from tee shirts, blue jeans, no socks and every combination of dress imaginable while in the lobbies of companies over the years. A first impression can never be offered again, so make the first one count.
4. Present a firm handshake, both to men and women, looking at them directly. This suggestion sounds so basic, but I have witnessed its violation countless times. That handshake and eye contact conveys both your confidence in yourself and your respect for your prospect. You cannot afford to be lacking in either category.
5. Be prepared. Know something about the company before you arrive there. The internet provides unlimited access to data like never before in history. Be prepared before your call. Learn about the company. Be familiar with their structure, politics, community standing, legal problems, financial condition, their products, their customers, etc… Your communications with company individuals will be far more effective if you arrive well-schooled.
6. Ask effective questions. Let them do the talking. Learn all you can. Your initial research as described above will enable you to probe, asking effective and relevant questions to uncover the customers’ real issues, needs and wants. Listen and make notes. You will be seen as prepared and knowledgeable hence inspiring respect from your customer.
7. Develop a sales plan and a strategy for developing your relationship with this
Starting a New Business: Do's and Don'ts to Assure Your Success
Let's start with the good news. You've no doubt heard the statistics: that 9 out of 10 new businesses fail. Well, it turns out that census data show that about 65% of new businesses were still in operation after 4 years. As we dig a little bit deeper, though, the news is more sobering for solo entrepreneurs: Successful businesses tended to be employer firms rather than solo enterprises. And several studies don't even take into account sole proprietorships. A look at the factors contributing to success or failure in these studies, though, can still offer valuable lessons to those determined to succeed.Here are a few do's and don'ts:Do your homework before opening your new business. The most common reason for failure cited in recent studies was "outside business conditions" having to do with increased costs (such as rent and insurance)and new competition. You should study the existing and potential competition and factor in increases in fixed costs as you determine whether you have the capital you need to get started. If you're already in business, you c
the manner in which our products and services can meet their expectations, offering more value than our competitors do.
That’s fine. That is Selling 101 with an advanced flair. We must grow accustomed to do far more than that if we truly wish to be known as the superior alternative in the eyes of the customer. If today’s savvy customer already expects a quality product, a fair price, on-time delivery, ease of order entry and a smooth flow of the entire transaction, then what is there left to do? Plenty!
It’s seldom only the big things that your customers notice, but rather the summation of the many “little” things along the sales path that make a tremendous difference in their perception of you and your company. It begins with common courtesy, and that starts with the company receptionist.
1. Treat the company receptionist and other employees at every level with respect. Many salespeople see her of little consequence or may even treat her rudely. First, she is deserving of respect just because she is a human being. She is also doing her job to the best of her ability. Her supervisor frequently calls on her to fill-in or perform many other office functions, often without much expressed gratitude. That receptionist certainly talks to other employees and often is part of the administrative side of purchasing, especially in smaller firms. If you are perceived as rude in any way, you have just burned your bridge with both the gatekeeper and the buyer.
2. Always speak in a professional manner. There is no room for off-color remarks or dark, “street-corner” humor. Professional salespeople never include harsh humor or foul language in their vocabulary. This alone is often enough to differentiate you from some of your competitors. If you would not say it in church or to your grandmother, don’t say it to your customer. Never degrade any person, race or creed.
3. Look the part of a sales professional. Dress appropriately. While it is not always necessary to wear a suit or even a dress shirt and tie, there is never an excuse for wearing old, dirty, wrinkled or inappropriate clothing while visiting a customer’s facility. So often, an acceptable mode of dress is a freshly pressed company-logo golf shirt and pressed khaki slacks with leather belt, leather shoes and socks. I have seen everything from tee shirts, blue jeans, no socks and every combination of dress imaginable while in the lobbies of companies over the years. A first impression can never be offered again, so make the first one count.
4. Present a firm handshake, both to men and women, looking at them directly. This suggestion sounds so basic, but I have witnessed its violation countless times. That handshake and eye contact conveys both your confidence in yourself and your respect for your prospect. You cannot afford to be lacking in either category.
5. Be prepared. Know something about the company before you arrive there. The internet provides unlimited access to data like never before in history. Be prepared before your call. Learn about the company. Be familiar with their structure, politics, community standing, legal problems, financial condition, their products, their customers, etc… Your communications with company individuals will be far more effective if you arrive well-schooled.
6. Ask effective questions. Let them do the talking. Learn all you can. Your initial research as described above will enable you to probe, asking effective and relevant questions to uncover the customers’ real issues, needs and wants. Listen and make notes. You will be seen as prepared and knowledgeable hence inspiring respect from your customer.
7. Develop a sales plan and a strategy for developing your relationship with this
Two Important Keys to a Successful Business-Integrity and Reputation
As a business owner and coach, I come across the issue of building integrity and reputation on a daily basis. It is something I feel strongly about, as who can build a business without integrity and a good reputation. As business owners, we know that if we want repeat business and referrals (both of which are the foundation of growing our business) then we need to include integrity and reputation in everything we do. Now, this may sound like common sense, but sometimes business owners forget these 2 important key concepts and make a mistake. That one mistake, let’s call it a step forward, can take their business back 20 steps. From time to time, it may take them so far back that they won’t be able to recover and their business will fold. So how can we, as business owners ensure that we are continually moving forward in building our integrity and reputation in a positive light? Actually, if we remember a few simple “rules,” then we can continue to build and grow.Rule 1- Always be timely.I know, this sounds like common sense, but how many times have you been told something, and
r may even treat her rudely. First, she is deserving of respect just because she is a human being. She is also doing her job to the best of her ability. Her supervisor frequently calls on her to fill-in or perform many other office functions, often without much expressed gratitude. That receptionist certainly talks to other employees and often is part of the administrative side of purchasing, especially in smaller firms. If you are perceived as rude in any way, you have just burned your bridge with both the gatekeeper and the buyer.
2. Always speak in a professional manner. There is no room for off-color remarks or dark, “street-corner” humor. Professional salespeople never include harsh humor or foul language in their vocabulary. This alone is often enough to differentiate you from some of your competitors. If you would not say it in church or to your grandmother, don’t say it to your customer. Never degrade any person, race or creed.
3. Look the part of a sales professional. Dress appropriately. While it is not always necessary to wear a suit or even a dress shirt and tie, there is never an excuse for wearing old, dirty, wrinkled or inappropriate clothing while visiting a customer’s facility. So often, an acceptable mode of dress is a freshly pressed company-logo golf shirt and pressed khaki slacks with leather belt, leather shoes and socks. I have seen everything from tee shirts, blue jeans, no socks and every combination of dress imaginable while in the lobbies of companies over the years. A first impression can never be offered again, so make the first one count.
4. Present a firm handshake, both to men and women, looking at them directly. This suggestion sounds so basic, but I have witnessed its violation countless times. That handshake and eye contact conveys both your confidence in yourself and your respect for your prospect. You cannot afford to be lacking in either category.
5. Be prepared. Know something about the company before you arrive there. The internet provides unlimited access to data like never before in history. Be prepared before your call. Learn about the company. Be familiar with their structure, politics, community standing, legal problems, financial condition, their products, their customers, etc… Your communications with company individuals will be far more effective if you arrive well-schooled.
6. Ask effective questions. Let them do the talking. Learn all you can. Your initial research as described above will enable you to probe, asking effective and relevant questions to uncover the customers’ real issues, needs and wants. Listen and make notes. You will be seen as prepared and knowledgeable hence inspiring respect from your customer.
7. Develop a sales plan and a strategy for developing your relationship with this
Ten Tips For Writing Successful Business Proposals, From Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach
There comes a time for businesses when they must submit successful business proposals to gain clients, projects, interviews, potential development rights, etc. And for many businesses, successful business proposals are mandatory for their survival. How many of your proposals get accepted and how many get rejected? Or don’t you keep track of the outcomes?It is interesting to note that most successful businesses have more of their proposals rejected than accepted. Your strategic thinking business coach endorses strategic thinking in the preparation of all business proposals. Here are ten (10) tips from your strategic thinking business coach for writing successful business proposals.Strategic Tip #1: Develop and use an evaluation system for a “go” or “No Go” decision for all responses to Requests For Proposals.Strategic Tip #2: Approach each business proposal preparation with an open mind and strategic thinking, instead of simply starting with an old proposal.Strategic Tip #3: Establish superior value based upon your differentiators to help dissuade the decision mak
eed.
3. Look the part of a sales professional. Dress appropriately. While it is not always necessary to wear a suit or even a dress shirt and tie, there is never an excuse for wearing old, dirty, wrinkled or inappropriate clothing while visiting a customer’s facility. So often, an acceptable mode of dress is a freshly pressed company-logo golf shirt and pressed khaki slacks with leather belt, leather shoes and socks. I have seen everything from tee shirts, blue jeans, no socks and every combination of dress imaginable while in the lobbies of companies over the years. A first impression can never be offered again, so make the first one count.
4. Present a firm handshake, both to men and women, looking at them directly. This suggestion sounds so basic, but I have witnessed its violation countless times. That handshake and eye contact conveys both your confidence in yourself and your respect for your prospect. You cannot afford to be lacking in either category.
5. Be prepared. Know something about the company before you arrive there. The internet provides unlimited access to data like never before in history. Be prepared before your call. Learn about the company. Be familiar with their structure, politics, community standing, legal problems, financial condition, their products, their customers, etc… Your communications with company individuals will be far more effective if you arrive well-schooled.
6. Ask effective questions. Let them do the talking. Learn all you can. Your initial research as described above will enable you to probe, asking effective and relevant questions to uncover the customers’ real issues, needs and wants. Listen and make notes. You will be seen as prepared and knowledgeable hence inspiring respect from your customer.
7. Develop a sales plan and a strategy for developing your relationship with this
Women & Entrepreneurship
The world of business and entrepreneurship is no longer comprised of men in suits. The changing landscape of the world and the economy are opening more doors for women now than at any other time in history, and without question, women are charging through those doors in ever increasing numbers.Women are taking control in the business world, and entrepreneurship through a business marketed on the Internet should be no exception! It doesn't matter where you are in your life, or where you have been. Neither your education level nor your job experience has anything to do with what drives you or what you are capable of achieving.There are amazing opportunities for women to start a business right from the comfort of their home and build it into something that can take care of their life, their family and their future retirement as well.There are women taking the plunge into entrepreneurship each day. Although the concept of starting a business may seem daunting, there are many tools and resources available to guide you. Desire and the passion to flourish are the key building blocks t
ot afford to be lacking in either category.
5. Be prepared. Know something about the company before you arrive there. The internet provides unlimited access to data like never before in history. Be prepared before your call. Learn about the company. Be familiar with their structure, politics, community standing, legal problems, financial condition, their products, their customers, etc… Your communications with company individuals will be far more effective if you arrive well-schooled.
6. Ask effective questions. Let them do the talking. Learn all you can. Your initial research as described above will enable you to probe, asking effective and relevant questions to uncover the customers’ real issues, needs and wants. Listen and make notes. You will be seen as prepared and knowledgeable hence inspiring respect from your customer.
7. Develop a sales plan and a strategy for developing your relationship with this account. Once you have learned the customers’ needs and understand how they function as a company, you are now ready to formulate your plan of action. Your plan will be far more effective than that of any competitor who decided to show up one day and start telling this prospect about their great products. Your strategy will make sense to your customer; After all, you are now working within their structure and comfort zone.
8. Give away some valuable information for free. Offer a tip, help them locate a supplier for an unrelated problem or solve a minor problem for them without charge. Do it cheerfully. Your payment will come later. Be patient.
9. Invite them to tour your company and meet your fellow associates. Whether or not they choose to visit your facility is not the issue. The simple fact that you invited them conveys confidence and pride in your company and your ability to serve them. Your prospects are most likely proud of the firm they represent and will likewise appreciate you for offering the opportunity for a more intimate relationship.
10. Propose synergy, a mutually beneficial relationship between your two firms. Try to find a way to partner with your customer through an industry affiliation, Chamber of Commerce reference or other means. If this is not possible, you may have the opportunity to introduce your customer to others in the community with whom they may enjoy a mutually beneficial relationship.
11. Don’t make promises casually. Always deliver more than promised. Always do what you say you will, in a prompt, forthright manner. Never allow yourself to be in the position of having your customer remind you of something which you promised to do or take care of. Always do more than asked. Do it with a smile.
12. Follow up. Call or email your customer regularly. Stay in touch. Always follow up promptly. Send a confirming email. Mail catalogs quickly. Return phone calls as soon as possible. Drop a note in the mail. Send your customer news headlines relevant to their interests or industry. The point is to stay in touch. Keep yourself positioned in front of them in a positive light.
13. Refer your customer to other companies. Help bring them new business. Every firm wants and needs new business opportunities. If you can bring your customer a new prospect or introduce them to another firm where they can establish a profitable relationship, you will benefit as well. They will know that you really care and are genuinely interested in them.
14. Remember your manners. Look directly at people when you speak with them. Give them your total attention. Say “please” and “thank you” at the appropriate times. Listen carefully while they are speaking.
15. Turn off your cell phone while on a sales call or in a meeting. Nothing is more rude or inconsiderate than having your time with your customer interrupted by a ringing cell phone, or worse, having you either take the call or simply look to see who is calling. Nothing speaks “you are not as important as this next phone call” louder than this. Simply place your phone on “vibrate” before your sales call. Any callers will be directed to your voice mail where you can respond after your current sales call is completed. Show consideration for your prospect or customer and give her your undivided attention.
There certainly are more ideas that you could implement, but these should be more than enough to get you started on a more productive path. Prospects require nurturing to become customers, who in turn require even more nurturing to blossom into long-term customers who will not be quickly turned away from you by the first low price or fleeting promise from some competitor. The time

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Will You Add? - Distance Yourself from Your Competition

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