Simple Business

Here is an article that was written by Steven Hoodlebrin about Marketing.

First things first.You have to know what you're selling. Any question that a current client, or potential client can ask you about your product(s) you only a split second to give them an answer. If you wait too long, they lose interest, and my not think you know anything about it.

Secondly, you have to have confidence in your product(s). Know that its the best you can offer your client, and this will take you far. Having confidence, also shows you know a lot about it.

Use scripted speech. This is so very important to make sure that everyone across the board is repeating the same thing back to the client. It causes less confusion, and shows strength in your organization, that you are true pioneers of your field.

If you say you're the best, than be the best. Look at what the competition is doing and do it one step better. But don't try to provide the impossible. Take it one step at a time. There is no such thing as an absoulute final product, because there are always ways of making it better. This also ties into the scripted speech portion. Literally write out script to what is to be said in certain situations, and follow it.

Create systems and organized programs. This will not only ease the stress on employees, but those in management positions as well. Having a stict company protocol for every operation is important. Things will run smoother, with less error and with high profitabilty. Create systems for your clientele as well. Make it easier for them to receive the best product. Whether it be actually something physical you're giving them, for them to use. Or if its a service, give them the best service experience possible!

Provide a guarantee. This is probably one of the most important parts of all. No body wants to buy something whether it be product or service, that isn't guaranteed. Even if its a limited one, it still means you're standing behind your work, and are willing to make sure things are right for your client. Sometimes its not always our fault, but as the saying goes "the customer is always right." This is so true, whether they messed up, still back them up to a certain degree. This will create a huge revenue with repeat business.

And probably the most important of all. Follow up, follow up, follow up! It still ceases to amaze me how much business is lost, and how much we lose in revenues due to not following up. Its just as simple as a phone call. Remember, we all have busy lives, and I hate to say it, but we're all not as important to our clients. They don't like us, as much as we do. But have the attitude that we like them. Which we should!... they're the ones that are paying our salaries. A lot of people will ask you to follow up, just to test you, to see if you actually will. The sad part is, the majority of salesmen don't. And therefore lose hundreds and thousands and thousands because of it. Remember its just a simple little 5 maybe 10 minute phone call. If they don't seem interest, follow up with them in a month.

Do not be pushy! This along with follow up, are the leading causes to a loss of sale. No body wants to feel pressured into buying something. So just respect their wishes. If they're feeling "iffy" about it, follow up in a month or two. It gives them that little tap on the shoulder that tells them "Hey, remember me just letting you know I'm here to serve you. Usually a piece of mailing really does the trick. It puts you in the back of their mind.

Marketing:

Not always is EVERYONE your demographic. Find the niche or demographic you want to sell to, and then hit it hard, and get your information out there. Be educational. Show them a need to have what you have to offer. Don't show them that they want it, show them how they need it. Human Psychology, and Emotion are huge in sales. Touch that spot in them that makes them say "Yeah my life would be easier, or better having your product, or allowing you to render your service. Spend that extra money on that glossier brochure, or that glossy flyer. It really grabs the eyes and makes people think "Wow what do they have to offer"

I could say so much more, but this is only the tip of the iceburg. But i've said something similar to a group of individuals, and I'm still getting emails of how this has all helped. It only takes a little bit of structure and common sense to do these things. And more importantly you have to live it. Having a structured, organized, systematize professional life is not easy. Its a lot of hard work, but the hard work pays off in so many ways. Personal finances, your organization's finances which give them the ability to grow, and find new and better ways to providing that new, more better version of what you're offering.

A few last things to remember. Eye contact, so you know you have your clients / prospects attention. Speak clearly, speak louder than what you normally do, so that you're well heard. This puts you in control of the situation, and you have the floor, all eyes are on your. Speaking to a group big or little, or to individuals isn't easy for everyone. Infact human nature tell us to be quiet, and soft spoken, but you need to do the complete opposite.

I hope this can help anyone, and really you can relate a lot of this all to your personal life, and take away all of the business. Just sit there and think for moment. Chew on it for a few days, it'll come to you, if it already hasn't.

Steven Hoodlebrink