I receive e-mail constantly from fabulous women - who have decided to jump ship from their corporate job…and dive into the world of selling.
They love what their product or service is but they completely underestimated how important SELLING is to business.
It’s simple really.
You don’t sell - you don’t eat or wear nice clothes.
If You’re New To Selling - Where Do You Begin?
1. Get HOT. Connect with everyone in your social sphere(your warm market) and advise them of your new venture. Let them know that you have introductory packages for anyone they think would be a great fit.
2. Get Professional.
The days of just having a business card from Staples are history (plus - they looked like hell anyway!) You will need a professionally designed card, e-proposal, e-invoice, e-zine and some form of website/blog so people can see that you’re legit.
3. Get Some Testimonials and FAST.
Listen - NO ONE BUYS if they think you’re selling a loser product that no one else wants. So do some pilot products or services at the beginning, or have introductory prices for new customers so can start racking up the testimonials. You need their full name, company, where they live, and a website if possible. Credibility. Credibility. Credibility.
4. Get Noticed. You need to be in the media, at networking groups that are a fabulous fit for you, at tradeshows, on post card mailouts to customers, in an e-zine and more. Sitting in front of your computer and staring at your phone WILL NOT make the orders come in.
For more bossy Sales Diva tips - you need to definitely sign up for my e-zine at http://www.salesdivas.com/
For many years, I have wanted to create a “viral message” for women entrepreneurs.
What is a ” viral message”?
Well as Seth Godin (my hero) talks about in many of his books - you want to be “virable”. Just as if someone sneezed on you - then you sneezed on someone else - a viral message is one that is quickly shared with others (without the coughing or red nose!)
So here’s my message to the women of the world. All 60 seconds of it!
My goal is for 1 million women in 2008 to have watched it.
Will you please help me spread the word?
www.thesalesdivasmovie.com
Thanks!!
Kim
OK - we’re in it - the first real “work week” of 2008 and your mind is probably reluctant to leave shortbread, eggnog and The Grinch!
I know it is tough to jolt yourself back into work-mode but here is your Sales Diva stiletto in the butt to get you moving lady.
Remember - you can still eat your shortbread but you need to be stirring the pot with your customers as well.
Here’s your action step for today: Book Greasy Breakfast Meetings
Get on the phone and ask some potential and existing clients out for what I lovingly call ” A Greasy Brainstorming Breakfast.”
Make it informal, make sure you have done a ton of thinking/research ahead of time and remember this…
Your Clients Feel The Same Way As You
That’s right.
They are looking for a shot of inspiration to get their minds off of Santa, turkey and sleeping in.
Have fun - and you’ll discover you will stir up some business over eggs!
So there.
OK - prepare yourself here.
What is the Number 1 Sales Tip for 2008?
Quit having “I want the next shiny object” Syndrome and actually START and FINISH the projects/products you already have cooking! (Or should I say lukewarm or stone cold by now)
Nothing kills success faster than flitting from one thing to the other. You’re not a butterfly lady - you’re in business.
So get focused and get the money rolllllllling in the door!
So there.
