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 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.

Sooooooo – it’s December and you are getting ready to dive into the eggnog and butter fudge.

I have a quick little reminder for you today.  (You can even read this while devouring your shortbread cookie!)

How Are You Making Money In January, February and March?

I hope you’ve appled what I’ve taught you.

You need to be selling 3 months in advance lady (at the bare minimum).

So book 60 minutes to sit down and really take a good, hard look at what is coming up for you in the next 3 months.

Then you can hit the ground running in January and even book a few appointments NOW for the new year.

So there.  Now back to your eggnog.

Twitter and women entrepreneurs – sounds like a strange combination doesn’t it?

Because I’m a curious Sales Diva, I looked up the definition of TWITTER.

Twitter:

-verb (used without object)

-noun

-verb (used with object)

Twitter may be about light and rapid chatter of trivial things but the IMPACT of twittering for your business cannot be ignored.

I recently interviewed The Blog Squad on my Prosperity Cafe and Denise Wakeman said ” Twitter is bringing in 50% of our traffic“…now I don’t know about YOU – but 50% of your traffic is AMAZING!

To see an example of what a Twitter post looks like – sign up for mine.   http://twitter.com/salesdiva

I dive in and offer a few lines about what’s happening with me on both a personal and business level.

Here’s what Maureen just sent me:

“I really appreciate the quality of your posts on twitter. In the few days I’ve been following you, I’ve encouraged several folks in my world to check you out. You have sales wisdom outside just the Diva space as well!”

Regards,

Maureen at www.mindtimegroup.com

 It’s actually quite fun and the traffic it is generating to my site can’t be denied!

Now that’s something to SING ABOUT.

If you’re looking for sales tips -and I KNOW you are lady – then you will love this quote by Anais Nin.

 ” Good things happen to those who hustle.”

You want more sales? More customers? More success?

I suggest you put a WIGGLE IN IT and get moving!  Because realllllly – you’ve been procrastinating on SO MUCH lately you’re starting to grow moss.

So there.

 Love From Your Sales Diva,

 Kim (Hey – have you signed up for my free weekly tips yet??)

Get a load of the look on her face.  She isn’t feeling too wonderful about her pile of money!

Do you want to know one of the reasons so many women struggle with selling?

Women Feel Like They Are Stealing From Their Customers

 I kid you not.

Many women (maybe even YOU) want to help customers with your product or service.  In fact – sometimes you even feel BAD that you are charging customers! (admit it lady)

Somewhere along the line you were taught that SELLING IS BAD.  That salespeople are like bank robbers – always trying to rip people off.  And so deep down the thought of being in sales just makes you feel…like Bonnie from Bonnie and Clyde!

Well – Your Sales Diva is here to tell you – THAT JUST ISN”T SO!

Being in sales is an honorable way to earn a living.  In fact – anyone who has their own business is in SALES and MARKETING FIRST and whatever they sell SECOND.

Even dentists.  Even doctors. Even bankers. Even lawyers.  And everyone else you think “isn’t in sales”.

 WHY?

Because without SALES they have empty chairs, empty offices, and empty bank accounts too.

 So I think it’s time that you started seeing yourself as a sales professional in EVERY WAY don’t you? 

You’re doing good things for your customers and you deserve to be paid fairly for it.

 And you can definitely TAKE THAT to the bank.

 So there.

I am someone who surrounds myself with positive quotes, pictures, people – you get the idea!  I absolutely NEED it – it helps keep me uplifted, energized and hopeful. (and we ALL have days when we need a little boost!)

 Here are a few of my secret inspiration pick-me-ups.

 I LOVE receiving Daily Quotes and here are 2 FREE resources that I adore:

1) http://www.kristincoach.com/  I love the quotes Kristin has chosen – always seem to come in exactly when I need them!

2) http://www.tut.com/  Mike Dooley was one of the featured speakers on The Secret – he is weird (but in a lovely way) and I absolutely love his “Notes From The Universe.” In fact – I went out and bought both of the books!

Andddddddd – if you want some Daily SALES INSPIRATION – then you had better click here for my 365 Daily Sassy and Savvy Sales Quotes From Your Sales Diva!

 (They aren’t free – but they may AS WELL BE – I only charge $27 for the ENTIRE YEAR.)

http://www.salesdivas.com/motivational-tips.php

You’ll get a laugh, you’ll get a different perspective and you’ll also get some resources, and the people who receive my DAILY quotes say this:

“Kim -where have you been all my sales life???
Like I said before, I LOVE your stuff!”

                                                                  Pauline Relkey http://www.paulinerelkey.com/

Check it out here:

http://www.salesdivas.com/motivational-tips.php

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/