Most new sales and business folks think of their market – that is, the people who will buy their product or service – is anyone at all. Anyone at all, given the right price or motivation, could possibly buy whatever you’re selling.
Sales
Where Do You Get Your Ideas On Sales?
I used to hate it when people gave me explanations like I’m about to give you. I wanted a magic formula – “Do A plus B, and you’ll skip over the following steps and wind up at Q a wealthy person.” Then I began to realize that people weren’t skipping over steps to keep secrets. It’s those in-between steps that are unique to each of us, that we have to go through ourselves, that help us define what “success” is for ourselves, and how we look at the world in general.
I’m pretty good at sales, but I hate it. Absolutely. I’ve never been able to separate a sales rejection from personal rejection. I began to think about it, and look around at the sales process. In our society, people mostly act on recommendations and (bluntly) snob appeal. If someone recommends an expensive wine, that’s the one we’ll order. It tastes like crap, but we convince ourselves it’s great. We’re looking for a dentist, so we ask our friends. Or a plumber. Or a car mechanic. We ask our friends, and in general we do what they tell us, and we stick with the result unless it’s too painful in some way. “The best salesperson is a satisfied customer.”
So. . . where do I get my ideas? I watch, and I think, and I go through pain of some sort, and I try to figure out how to get the results I want with as little pain as possible. If there’s a formula for me, it’s “Time plus Thought minus Pain = Ideas.” I know that’s not what you were looking for, but I hope you can understand me and where I’m coming from a little better.
Testimonials – Action 7 of 7
Action 7 of 7 – Get people to say positive things about you and your business, then publicize them.
Newest Clients
In the past few weeks, we’ve picked up several new clients. We also lost one client – because the owner retired. Enjoy your time with your family, Chris!
Two places I can mention include:
- Kitty Corner of CNY – a non-profit cat rescue based in Liverpool, NY.
- Dark Raptor Press – publishers of my books
If we can do anything for you, don’t hesitate to ask!
Target Market Avatar – Action 2 of 7
Action 2 of 7 – create a profile of your target market avatar.
All Things Being Equal
All things being equal, you don’t want all things to be equal. Take advantage of every opportunity to show prospects and customers that your competition isn’t equal to you.
It’s Called Social For A Reason
It’s called social media for a reason.
From my forthcoming book, Profile Your Target Market
Graphic – Simple System
A successful system is made of simple steps followed in order until the they end at the desired result. Yes or no? Why or why not?
Graphic – Question Fail
“What could I do better?” is a question you ask when you fail. Ask it of yourself when you succeed, too.
Am I full of horse crap? Your opinion below, please!
Most Important Question In Business
As business people, we all want to sell our products and services. If we’re smart, we’re talking with members of our target market. Two of the things we want to do with our target market are: 1) build a relationship and 2) find out what they want to buy. The easiest way to accomplish both is to ask questions, and listen and respond to the answers. And there’s one very important question you should ask before you attempt to sell them anything.