Attract More Sales: Tip #282

April 29, 2010 by 1 Comment

Did you know selling techniques may improve every endeavor you undertake including acquiring a job?

A young woman found me on Linked-in and asked my help with her job seeking frustration. She just graduated college. Upon interviewing the hiring manager will say, “Well you are a very nice person but don’t have the job experience.”

I shared with her the selling technique for overcoming objections. Agree 100% with the objection and then put a different frame of reference on it. In her case, a perfect comeback would be, “You are right, I am very nice and that is precisely why our customers will Love me and keep returning for more, and they will refer me to all of their associates. I will be driving in many more sales because I am so nice!” For added emphasis she could tack on, “Is this the type of sales professional you are looking for?”

The hiring manager would have no where to go but to agree with the turnaround of events. My advice is prior to answering a question, think about the underlying question and the most desireable outcome possible but express it with honesty. In any sale, whether hard core sales or interviewing, people buy from people they like, trust and in whom they have confidence. Be of the mindset to always work on building relationships with whomever you meet and you will not go wrong.

Marketing communications precedes sales – how you approach others. In turn, this will help you to produce the sale or secure the job. When you implement these strategies, you will experience the Smooth Sale!

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Attract More Sales: Tip #281

April 28, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Attracting audiences and generating sales requires finding your voice!

My first book was entitled “Nice Girls DO Get The Sale: Relationship Building That Gets Results”. However, when you read the corporate tell-all, you will recognize that I was nice where I had reciprocal conversations but found the gumption to stand up for myself when treated badly.

Tips for Finding Your Voice:

1. Believe in yourself
2. Only associate with positive minded people – personal and business
3. Keep record to acknowledge your accomplishments
4. Know your rules for acceptable relationships and stick to them
5. As you gain knowledge in your field, consider writing an ebook – it’s the new business card!
6. Expand your voice through articles, blogs, radio, speaking and/or interviews
7. Find a collaboration that will support your endeavors and help you to keep improving

Whether you are a job-seeker about to interview, an entrepreneur running your own business, or someone dating – all of the above applies. I found WhisperingEnergy.com to provide the collaboration and social media education I was seeking. Giving back, I am offering my next webinar series beginning June 2 on “How to Write an eBook and Sell More Copies Online” to help others find their voices. Our gift to you is an 8-part Free Transformational Series by W.E. to see if it’s right for you. Registration is required for both events.

Whatever you decide to do, to build business, attract more prospects and build a lifetime clientele – establish your long-term vision and then set goals and adhere to them to achieve it. And one last idea if you are ready to soar – consider attending the Powerful Women Int’l. Conference in Paris, France, where i will be speaking May 14-15.

Wishing you always a very Smooth Sale!

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Attract More Sales: Tip #280

April 26, 2010 by 2 Comments

Do you read what others put out on your behalf?


All correspondence, marketing messages, and verbal communication indicate your customer service policies. You should be of the mindset to review everything from time to time that your employees do for you.

Upon announcing their resignation from a particularly organization, long time and short-term members received the following warning from the CEO: “You have 48 hours to reconsider your standing with our organization. If you do not re-join, you will no longer be welcome and forbidden to join us as a guest at future meetings.”

After having been an active member for six years, I was stunned upon receiving the letter. A far better approach would have been to say “Thank you for your long-term commitment to our organization. Your business is greatly appreciated and any time you wish to return, we will gladly welcome you back!” Both notes will be long remembered but the second style is what will still encourage repeat business, referrals and testimonials – the key to business development.

I just learned today that the CEO had no knowledge of the first note that was sent and was horrified upon learning. She did not know how to correct the situation. As a friend, I wrote the best technique is for everyone who made a commitment of a year or more to the organization, she write a heart-felt note of apology for the error in sending, and welcome them back anytime they like.

It is never too late to apologize. This serves to repair and further build the relationship as well as attract future sales. Implementing this strategy the CEO will here on out enjoy a Smooth Sale!

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Attract More Sales: Tip #279

April 25, 2010 by 1 Comment

Are you a good friend to associates?

What would you do if you participated in an event your associate coordinated for the first time but flaws were seen by everyone including you? Would you kindly make suggestions for improvement for the next time?

Some people are of the mindset to not interfere as it will only hurt your growing relationship. My inclination is that as long as you are diplomatic by pointing out what did work first and then offer suggestions for what might be improved upon, given your associate is a professional, he or she will be appreciative.

My own philosophy is to learn from every mis-step so that I may leap forward. Listening to others is the only way you are able to hear what your prospects and clients truly need and want. Then you are able to deliver on their expectations making you the leader and expert in your field. This is what enables repeat business, referrals and testimonials.

When you are able to give this opportunity to your associate, in my mind, you are a very good friend. Your underlying marketing message is you are there to help. This further serves to establish your relationship, very likely work on future projects together and build business dynamically. The two of you together will be headed for a very Smooth Sale!

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Attract More Sales #278

April 23, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Why was the restaurant busier than ever in a down economy?

While most restaurants are still struggling as our economy is trying to recover, we were completely taken aback this evening when we stopped to eat at a long-time favorite. The wait time to eat at Sushi Sam’s, San Mateo CA was close to half an hour. The establishment was packed with faithful clients.

The owner periodically would assure us we would soon be seated. Recognizing the hour was late and we must be hungry, the quick to create sushi and miso soup arrived almost instantaneously while the more difficult to prepare item took a little longer. We eagerly ate the first installment. The waiters in our area checked in to make certain everyone was happy thus building relationships with the clientele.

After dinner on our way out, we heard “Thank You” from the waiter, the Maitre D, and the owner. Three thank you’s for a very modest dinner.

I have stated many times the words “Thank You” are one of your best strategies to use. Prospects and clients want to know they are appreciated. It is the sure fire technique that serves business development. Our experience walking out this evening hearing three thank you’s made us feel as if we are very important patrons. Given the quality of the food and the incredible service, you can bet we will return the next time an opportunity is presented.

What are you doing to encourage repeat business, referrals and testimonials? Is thank you a part of the strategy? When you work with this mindset in place, you too will enjoy the Smooth Sale!

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Attract More Sales: Tip #277

April 20, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Are your messages for all of your venues consistent?

I had the good fortune to hear a marvelous speaker. She used her voice as a fine instrument. Her talk was filled with emotional stories both funny and sad. All the while her voice rose to a crescendo and then gently toned down to very soft notes of deep insight. Her talk was as moving as an opera.

However, in my opinion, her ending spoiled the impact. The speaker’s message was, “Stand in our own shoes to enjoy your unique journey into the spotlight.” It was a very powerful message. Everyone was nodding in agreement.

Alas, the speaker’s power diminished when she made an offer contradictory to her message. Her offer did not speak to standing in your own spotlight. Instead she offered a collaborative project designed to ride on her coattails. For me, the speaker’s offer ruined the entire message.

Had the speaker instead offered a package whereby she would help prospects in the audience achieve their own success, it is a safe bet that many more people would have quickly become her clients.

What does this have to do with you, if you aren’t a speaker?

The same principles apply no matter your field of endeavor. When you work to help others, build long term relationships, and the benefit of working with you is clearly seen, you will sell far more. Business then becomes a very Smooth Sale!

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Attract More Sales: Tip #276

April 19, 2010 by 1 Comment

Do your customer service policies reflect common sense?

While waiting to board an airplane, we noticed an older gentleman running to make it in time. Perspiration was running down his face and he was obviously stressed. Another passenger asked him, “What happened?”

While waiting to pass through security, there was a woman ahead of him. She was feeding formula to her infant while tending to her 3 year old at her feet. Without warning, a security guard yanked the bottle away from the infant. The baby began screaming hysterically, the woman became frantic and that set off the 3 year old.

All of the security guards in the area and their manager had to have a pow wow to discuss what to do next. Meanwhile all of the passengers waiting behind the woman were merged into one very long line causing much distress among those concerned about missing their flights.

All of this could have been avoided if the one guard had, in a kind manner, asked the woman to step aside with her children and formula. She most likely was not feeding her baby poison. While the guards have an important duty to fulfill, using reason and a touch of empathy to build relationships with passengers for continued harmony will go miles further than creating chaos as what transpired.

What are your policies? Are they consistent with the marketing image you are trying to convey? Are you encouraging repeat business, referrals and testimonials? Are you viewed as the expert in your field attracting new prospects who soon become your clients?

Your policies are a large part of your business development. When implemented correctly with your mindset is focused on logic and helping others, you will easily find the Smooth Sale!

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Filed Under: Business Development, clientele, clients, closing, communication, Customer service, Entrepreneurs, leadership, Marketing, Marketing and Sales, Mindset, Prospect, Relationships, Sales ·

Attract More Sales: Tip #275

April 15, 2010 by 1 Comment

Will you attract more sales by narrowing your niche?

Most often marketing experts will suggest beginning with a small defined audience to quickly become the expert and leader in your field leading to a quicker conversion of prospects to clients. But what if you have been in business a long time and were to focus on the tiniest portion of your business that you enjoy the most – will that work in attracting more sales?

Last year was a tough one for most. This morning 3 friends and I reconvened to bring each other up-to-date on our activities. I was completely surprised by the fact all 4 of us did exactly what I posed – we took the tiniest portion of our business that we enjoy the most and are promoting to the fullest. The surprising part is 3 of us are anticipating more revenue than ever!

My belief is the reason for our success is that we are each now focusing on what we truly enjoy. For me, the ebook webinars are a huge hit. The fourth person was in a very hard hit industry but her passion is swimming. She mentioned in passing that she knows how to instruct swimmers to swim faster. I exclaimed, “Why don’t you start charging for swim lessons?!” She answered, “I’ve been thinking about it silently, and now that you said it, I’m going to do it!”

When your clientele hears the passion in your voice and and excitement in your face, they become excited too helping to build your relationship. This is the point where attraction marketing and selling work their charm. This works on anything you want in life including interviewing well. It’s business development at its best and turns into a very Smooth Sale!

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Attract More Sales: Tip #274

April 12, 2010 by 1 Comment

Do you work to find a satisfactory solution for all?

Every so often, I receive a request that is annoying, I don’t really wish to do what was asked or the importance is not clear. However, as long as I can easily accommodate my prospects and clients, I strive to do so.

The manner in which you handle what sometimes appears to be annoyances is surely reflective of your customer service policies. My motto on this is: “Make the best impression possible.”

You should be of this mindset because it sends out a strong marketing message you are easy to work with. Your policy will assist in attracting more sales. As long as these requests do not consume too much time, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. It also serves to build relationships with your clientele and encourages repeat business, referrals and testimonials.

Make it your policy to say yes and you will experience the Smooth Sale!

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Attract More Sales: Tip #273

April 10, 2010 by Leave a Comment

When difficult decisions arise, do you “sleep on it”?

In the past year, deep into entrepreneurship, I discovered what that phrase means. When you are faced with difficult decisions regarding your employer, prospect or client, think about the situation just prior to drifting off to sleep.

What I have found is that my subconscious works on the problem during the night. When I wake up, I know full well how to proceed. However, the decision was so difficult, I chose to ignore what my instinct told me. Unfortunately, the days became increasingly difficult. I then implemented the original conclusion my subconscious came to and found happiness once again. I do believe this is the meaning of “sleep on it”.

As the days moved along and I was happy once again, my communication and marketing were stronger than ever. People enjoy my relaxed style and are eager to hear more about our products and services.

The happy and relaxed states serve you well for successful interviewing, business development and just about anything you want in life. My motto is you should always strive to enjoy a Smooth Sale!

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Filed Under: Business Development, clientele, clients, closing, communication, Entrepreneurs, interviewing, Interviews, Marketing, Marketing and Sales, Prospect, Relationships, Sales ·
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