Attract the Right Job or Clientele: Sales Tip #736

May 18, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Avoiding the Totem Pole Error

 

 

Today, I was reminded once again of the error most businesspeople make when it comes to the fateful totem pole sales error.   In seeking work, career advancement or new business, the principles are the same.  Let me explain.

Most of us are familiar with the fact that the highest level employee is the one who makes the final decision and most likely the quickest.  Salespeople target CEO's, and those seeking high level positions do the same, and that is the correct path to take,  However, the error frequently made is that of ignoring those reporting to the CEO, to the Directors, to Managers and so on.  Receptionists and those opening the door for you are usually completely ignored.

Very often those seemingly at the bottom of the totelm pole report back to their managers who relay the message upward.  This becomes even more important if you are there to interview.  Another factor overlooked is that on occasion the direct report to the CEO or in a smaller company, the spouse will be filling in for the receptionist who was ill.  

Those currently in jobs seeking to move up the chain of command will do far better to treat their teammates and those below them with equal respect.  In this manner, you will be more likely to get the support you need when an opportunity for promotion comes along.  

For businesspeople seeking clients and sales, the better approach is to treat everyone as the CEO of their own job.  The people in the seemingly low level positions will be rooting for you.

When you treat everyone with equal respect you will be headed for the wave of the Smooth Sale!

 

Available on Kindle and in Paperback

International Best-Seller:

Nice Girls DO Get the Sale: Relationship Building That Gets Results 

and

Best-Seller:
HIRED! How to Use Sales Techniques to Sell Yourself On Interviews.

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Attract the Right Job or Clientele: Sales Tip #686

February 17, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Plant relationship seeds well to harvest desired results

Monkey
 

Collaboration is the one word that will transform your career or business.  Helping others produces a reciprocity otherwise not found.  Together you reach wider audiences, potential clients or hiring managers that enables greater than ever possibilities.

I met Valeri Bocage, Founder and CEO of Powerful Women International a number of years ago.  We were both beginning in our ventures.  It was a road of uncertainty but we felt compelled to follow the windy paths that motivated us to find what lie before us.  Every once in a while we would get together to compare notes and offer possible referrals.

We have each met wonderful people through one another.  Friendships and clients blossomed as did our enterprises.  Remaining connected and promoting one another's events as well as actively participating increased our possibilities further.  

On March 8, this year, in celebration of International Women's Day, at the San Francisco Mark Hopkins InterContinental Hotel, we will join forces to inspire and motivate other wonderful women with personal stories, educational breakout sessions, and networking.  .  And it is with pride that I announce, I will be one of the honorees on that day.  I do hope you will join Valeri and I in our celebration!

Our goal is for all women to achieve their dreams.  The motivation and inspiration you receive will put you on the wave of the Smooth Sale!

International Women's Day Details and Registration please click here.

For more information read:

Nice Girls DO Get the Sale: Relationship Building That Gets Results,
 

HIRED! How to Use Sales Techniques to Sell Yourself On Interviews.

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Attract the Right Job or Clientele: Sales Tip #622

November 11, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Values Create Your Brand

GG

What are your priorities?

Have you ever had an exciting idea but the next morning awoke with a dose of reality?  It's your subconscious telling you what the better direction is.  

Intuition provides a quick recognition or instinct of what's right and wrong.  However, I have found that our subconscious brings together all of the facts playing in our mind and forces it through a seive so-to-speak to find the coherent solution.  Both are important indicators of which to be aware.  Paying attention to these "signs" may well help you to avoid diluting your personal brand.

Your value system prioritized is what will help you get your brand crystal clear in your mind and enable you to express it to others.  Routinely find quiet time to reflect upon whether everything you are currently working on is adding to the clarity of your brand, and if future planned projects will do the same.  Only then will your branding effort to reach audiences far and wide be successful.

This video provides additional insight. And for figuring out who the real you might be, the stories shared in Nice Girls DO Get the Sale are an eye-opener!

Whether your are building a personal brand for getting HIRED! or to develop business and your clientele, these strategies are designed to help you achieve a Smooth Sale!

 

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Attract the Right Job or Clientele: Sales Tip #589

September 14, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Old Acquaintances Are your Best Connections

Mark, Leo, Michael and Allison

They Should Never be Forgotten!

Creative Commons License photo credit: mikecogh

It is a known fact that your next best opportunity to hear HIRED! is most easily secured through a friend or associate, past or present.  It's the referral and good word of mouth that produces the better results.  The same is true for business.  Remaining in touch or connecting occasionally by keeping one another apprised of your latest ventures will prompt ideas for new connections.

Eight years ago, when I first began Smooth Sale, I met "Ron" through a Chamber of Comemrce networking group.  Through the years, we would occasionally see one another at new events.  Just this week, Ron had me speak to the professional networking group he started last year.  We accommodated one another to make it happen, and we each went the extra mile for the other.   

A group member asked me, "Business has been poor this year, how do you suggest we try to ramp up for next year?"  I pointed out how Ron and I met and remained in touch.  I then suggested they set a goal for how many calls they would make weekly to people that come to mind, or, who are in their database in order to renew the connection and begin a dialogue.  When you catch people by surprise and simply ask to update one another, most are agreeable.  The conversation usually leads to new ideas and possibilities.

The end result of Ron and I reconnecting was solidifying our respect and friendship for one another.  My additional reward was meeting new people.  Upon finding good value in my talk, one member volunteered an amazing introduction outside of the group.  The morning turned into a win for all concerned.  

When you strive to help other people the best you may, reward is yours on many levels.  This is true for interviews, friendships, and converting potential friends into clients.  My book, Nice Girls DO Get the Sale: Relationship Building That Gets Results, describes many of the relationship building and selling techniques that effectively build your business.

Those of you seeking work or new careers, remember to register at no charge for the AmericaHires360 virtual convention beginning in October.  

My mission is to always help you achieve a very Smooth Sale!

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Attract the Right Job or Clientele: Sales Tip #587

September 9, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Diplomacy Build Relationships

HA0515-008

Jumping to Conclusions Never Works

Creative Commons License photo credit: Highways Agency

Last year,  I had the opportunity to meet a supplier in person.  We instantly felt a kinship and agreed to work together.  The service has been impeccable and the products outstanding so I continue to purchase from "Mary".  She models what I teach:  deliver your best in order to receive repeat business, referrals and testimonials – the definition of a Smooth Sale!

I had been meaning to call Mto place an order with Mary for one of her products but ran out of time.  Yesterday, however, a "surprise" package arrived. Coincidentally, the package was from Mary.  Opening the package, I found a large amount of inventory along with a sizeable fee that made my eyeballs almost jump out of my head!  It was not something I would have ordered and was stunned to see a credit charge included.

Knowing my first impressions are usually correct, (remembering back to when we met) I did my best to contain my discontent.  Rising to the challenge, I left a polite message for Mary to please return my call.  First thing this morning, Mary did return my call.  Her call was prompt, apologetic and very reassuring.  Again, she modeled what I teach: take prompt action to correct any misunderstanding.

As it turned out, Mary wasn't out to "rip me off" or take advantage of our business arrangement.  Instead, it was the company supplying the product who erred by shipping to me.  I then inquired about the credit card fee and asked that it be reversed.  To my relief, I was reassured the charge was to her card and not to mine.  The products in my possession will be shipped back to her today.

I'm sharing my personal story with you in case it prevents future misunderstanding for you.  Jumping to conclusions serves no one regardless of all the circumstances.  Be patient to sort out the details and be fair to all parties concerned.  When situations like these occur, and they are sorted out in a friendly manner, relationships are strengthened and business flourishes.

The same may be said for interviewing.  When someone begins to object to something on your resume or what you just said, agree with the objection and then position with clarification and background information to satisfy all parties.

You will be headed for a very Smooth Sale!

 

You will find more information on sales techniques for both business and career in these two books:

Nice Girls DO Get the Sale: Relationship Building That Gets Results

and

HIRED! How to Use Sales Techniques to Sell Yourself On Interviews

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P.S.  The Community Service project AmericaHires360 was developed to help Americans return to work.. Companies and Sponsors are making it possible for for Job Seekers to attend for free. The event takes place online October – December click the link above to register today!

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