Diva Sales Tips

OK – I can admit it.

I’ve been following Seth Godin for years.  He’s an unconventional, straight-shooting writer, the master of invention and re-invention….OK – don’t even get me started.  I love the guy!

Who is he? 

Well – probably the most influential marketing expert in the 21st century.  His blog is the number one business blog in the world…does that capture your attention?

I purchased his latest book Tribes last night and stayed up late finishing it. Yes – me, Seth and a glass of red wine! (Not a bad way to spend a night)

So what did his book to me?

Well – first of all it gave me a kick in the pants.  Reminded me of the additional tools, strategies and THINKING that I need to be applying to my business.

Most importanly -it also affirmed that I am a leader of a tribe.

So buy this book ASAP – buy it for everyone you know and also watch out for changes on my website and beyond. 

http://www.sethgodin.com/sg/

So there.

I have a fabulous hairstylist who really gets my hair. (And as ANY woman knows – that is a life-saver)

I have super thick – very curly hair (yes – my website pic is a flat-ironing miracle!)

However, I should say..my hair stylist  USED TO GET MY HAIR.

I have a confession to make.

For me – hair color is like an accessory.

Over the years (and mainly by accident) I’ve been every hair color in the book. Blonde, 12 different shades of red, caramel, dark brown, and yes – once after forgetting about the hair color…I looked like Cher.

Last week – I wanted a change and went to my fabulous European hairstylist who knows my hair.

I said:

 ” OK – I’d like auburn – but not red, red, red as in Ronald McDonald red.                          Not Lucille Ball red either. ”

We were good to go.

3 hours later as she reveals my new color – I had the sudden urge to say…

 ” What kind of McHappy meal would you kids like today??”

Yes. It is bad.  Even when I made her re-do it – I still feel like I should be eating too many chocolates at the chocolate factory.

My fabulous Polish hair stylist obviously didn’t understand my Ronald McDonald or Lucille Ball comparison.

And maybe your client is confused about something you’re doing as well.

So let me ask YOU 2 questions.

1. Are you REALLY listening to your customers?
2. Do you REALLY understand what they are referring to?

Ronald McDonald wants to know.

P.S And NO – you will not find a picture of me on Facebook or anywhere else on this planet – I’ve already paid the bribes.

I get this a lot.

People ask me “Women and men sell the same don’t they?”

Here’s your answer:

NO – THEY DON’T.

How is that possible?

Because aside from the fact that we are different sexes and communicate differently with almost everything- we also  have different stories, background….oh my the list goes on.

Does This Mean That One Is Better Than The Other?

No.

I’d really like to drill that point into corporate North America as well.   Having an entire staff of sales women – or an entire staff of sales men means you’re missing out on tons of business.

(Look how long it has taken for women to get into the car sales industry – and even now -many of them still follow the old boys formula – egad.)

Here’s Something Else I Get Asked:

“Do women sell better only selling to women and vice versa?”

Oh please.

I’ve had men sell me make-up and I know a very successful woman who sells $250,000 farm machinery.  When I was in the national media – most of my customers were men (simply because there weren’t as many women entrepreneurs – I’m so happy to see that changing!)

What’s Really Important?

That you know HOW to sell to BOTH men and women.

That you understand your customers  and what they are looking for.

That you understand what your own strengths are instead of trying to copy a style that DOESN’T FIT YOU.

So there.

I’m a huge fan of Joan Stewart aka The Publicity Hound.  Joan’s tips and insights are the best in the world (and I know her advice has gotten me TONS of national media!)

 She has a wonderful and FREE (gotta love it) gift to pass along.

 She has a limited time offer of her 2008 ebook :

“The Best of the Publicity Hound’s Tips of the Week of 2008″ ebook, which you can claim at:
http://tinyurl.com/Bestof2008Tips

 Dive into it – as you’ll love Joan’s PR tips!

 So there.