Do you have an original success quote to share?
We welcome all success quotes to help others with their mindset, business development and sales. The following ones just came in:
“If you wish success in life, make perseverance your bosom friend, experience your wise counselor, caution your elder brother, and hope your guardian genius….”
“Along with success comes a reputation for wisdom”
Share on FacebookDear Friends,
Driving down the street this afternoon, I had tears in my eyes.
The street is one with a speed limit of 35 mph – nothing comparable to our highways. Yet I have never seen a car so badly smashed. Paramedics were trying to remove a man whose eyes were closed.
The scene brought back painful memories of my having sustained a broken neck as a victim of a traffic accident. The other driver badly rear-ended my car at a red light.
Please, this holiday drive defensively and be on the lookout for those who aren’t.
From the bottom of my heart, I wish you a safe and happy holiday.
Thinking of you,
Elinor
Are you wishing there were more hours in the day?
So many entrepreneurs complain about working long hours and not having enough time to focus on making their calls, developing new business or learning new strategies. Instead, they are slowly trying to figure out how to do something which doesn’t come naturally for them. I used to be in the same category.
I finally got wise. Any time I have a question about an area of my business that is a necessity but for which I do not have talent, I hire help. Without doubt this is one of the best expenditures you can make for your business. The benefits are:
1. Your frustration disappears
2. Time is freed up for prospecting and business development
3. Good help pays for itself exponentially
When your day is efficient and you pay attention to building business and relationships, you will be headed for a Smooth Sale!
Share on FacebookHave you previously been told a service you provided wasn’t quite right?
Entrepreneurs, How did you react? Did you get angry or did you patiently listen and fix the situation with a smile?
Recently, I received a video without the audio component. I called the service provider on a Friday afternoon expecting to hear back on Monday. Instead, she returned my call on Sunday evening even though she had a house full of guests.
The busiensswoman was apologetic, already had a fix in mind and assured me a new video would be on its way. This was a highly professional customer service route that she took, deepened our relationship and no doubt I will be giving her further business.
My service provider headed her business ship in the direction for a Smooth Sale!
Share on FacebookAre you wondering what to do when previously interested prospects put you off?
The term Sales Funnel came about because some people are ready to purchase immediately and others seemingly take forever so sales are stuck in the funnel and eventually drip down.
The best thing to do is for you to create a list of everyone who previously showed an interest and keep in touch with all, even if it’s very long term. Your sales funnel will fill over time. The drip can be fast or slow dependent upon the economy and mainly on how you work your funnel.
When you are told “not now”, the best response is to question, “If not now, then when would you suggest I contact you again?” This aleviates any resemblance of being pushy and your prospect will be making the request for contact. Proceeding in this manner will lead to conducting a Smooth Sale!
Share on FacebookIf you desire a returning clientele, use this one strategy…
Have you ever been told, “Sure I can do that!” and then found out the project was beyond the person’s capability? Do you remember how frustrated that made you feel?
The above scenario just happened to me this morning. I was very loyal to a certain someone but once again they disappointed me in their lack of follow through.
Let’s instead turn the situation around. Tell your client you know someone else who can better solve this particular problem. Your client will continue to be loyal to you for future tasks with which you can easily help. Additionally, they will shower you with repeat business, referrals and testimonials.
You will find the best policy has always been and will continue to be Honesty. And when you adhere to a policy of honesty in everything you do, you will be headed for a continued Smooth Sale!
Share on FacebookHave you ever attended a business party paying homage to one person?
Last night I attended a celebration party for Jill Lublin’s new book, Get Noticed and Get Referrals. The room was filled with very loyal people talented in their own right. It was awe-inspiring to hear the wonderful words they had for Jill.
Other businesspeople carefully guard their secrets and do not participate in the same circles as their competition. It frightens them.
Jill’s secret is she helps everyone she can, even if they too are authors and speakers. She builds relationships, embraces the philosphy of abundance and builds a loyal following. In turn, everyone supports and refers her for further business. A role model to copy.
Imagine your competition and associates recommending you to be the preferred service provider and how much easier it will be to develop new business. And the great thing is – it will be a very Smooth Sale!
Share on FacebookAre you wondering why you work so hard but few sales are won?
The number one question everyone should ask when trying to sell a service or product to a consumer is, “What is your budget?”
Having recently moved, I found a number of services were required in the process. No matter the service, almost uniformly no one asked that question. Proposals were padded with extras we did not need and the amount was way over budget. We finally got wise and sought help where we knew we could get it.
Tell your prospects the more honest she or he can be, the better you can do pinpointing the service that will serve them best. When you do, you will be headed for a Smooth Sale!
Share on FacebookDo you believe in business loyalty?
An unlicensed contractor brought his friend, a licensed contractor, to a home requiring major remodeling. They earned the work due to their teamwork. The understanding was the unlicensed contractor would be rewarded with minor fix-up requirements. Shortly after the work began the unlicensed contractor went on vacation. He had time because his part of the agreement would take place toward the end of the job.
During the course of the work, the licensed contractor began to plant doubt in the homeowner’s mind about the quality of the work the unlicensed contractor would be able to provide as well as the timeliness of getting the work completed. He put the homeowner in the middle of an unwanted situation.
My question to you today is how far do you go with business loyalty? Do you support the people who brought you in; do you support the people who bravely recommended someone better in anticipation of getting a small piece of the project?
I believe you should be loyal as much as possible without harming the initial project. In this case, the unlicensed contractor will return in time to paint the home and minor repair. He should be allowed to do that as promised. By supporting each other within reason, you will continue to grow repeat business, referrals and testimonials and enjoy a Smooth Sale!
Share on FacebookHave you ever been guilty of “winging it”?
You spent time prospecting, developing business potential and relationships and now it is time to close the sale. Unfortunately many salespeople and entrepreneurs are not prepared and so they tell themselves it will just happen.
The closing appointment is the most critical point in the sale cycle. Your hard work will either be wasted or it will come to fruition in the form of a sale. Before your prospect picks up the pen to authorize the contract and become your client, he/she will be seriously studying you.
Have you been honest about how your product and service will fit into their environment; is everything included in the contract; have you made it easy for them to say “Yes, let’s go ahead”; and are you prepared to ask for the sale?
When you make it easy on your prospect to become your client you will be headed for a very Smooth Sale!
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'View from the Bay'
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