by Janice M. Copeland
According to the Small Business Administration, over 65% of women want to own our own businesses. Yet, the one thing that scares us the most is that 5-letter word: sales. Read the below 10 steps to embrace entrepreneurship straight on toward success, and don’t allow the misperception most people have of sales to get in your way!
1. Remain Very Client Focused.
Those business owners who truly research and provide outstanding services and products that are desired and needed for their clients will be here 5, 10, 20 years from now.
2. It’s All About Attitude.
Love your work! Show your passion for what you do!
3. Goal Setting Know-how Is Key To Success.
Revenue targets should be identified regularly with daily/weekly action plans put in place to ensure goals are met.
4- Qualify Prospects- If It Sounds Too Good, It Probably is.
Ask questions to ensure there is a genuine need. Don’t become a victim of a time waster.
5. Follow Up With Prospects Is Essential.
According to Bob Leduc, Sales and Marketing Expert, you can increase your sales by 50% or more if you regularly follow up with prospects. If you give up after the first contact, you will lose up to 80% of your potential sales! Follow up could include sending a regular newsletter containing helpful information and tips related to your product or service, sending personal notes regularly, and calling just to check in with your clients.
6. Think “So What.”
Don’t focus on selling the great things that your products or services do, rather spend time stimulating the client’s natural urge to buy by explaining the benefits to them. How much more productive they will be, how much more money they could make, etc.
7. Follow Up Every Sale with a Follow-up Offer.
This may sound counter-intuitive, but research has shown that client loyalty begins when the client finds a sincere follow up with them after the sale. If you have a related product or service that would genuinely help your new client, tell them about it and perhaps provide them a discount coupon to try it out as a thank you for being a new valued client.
8. Look at Your Business through Your Clients’ Eyes and Nurture Existing Clients.
Align your business with your customers’ goals. What are your clients doing? What can you provide or do for them that will help them reach their goals?
9. Select Your Clients Carefully.
Build long standing relationships with your clients who can help you as much as you help them. Don’t be afraid to ask for referrals from your existing clients. Obviously they have seen value in your products and services, so by simply asking them for referrals, you are likely to receive additional business.
10. Enter Into a Joint Venture with Someone Who Shares Your Ideal Client
Share your expertise with each other and perhaps work on a workshop together and you may even be able to share the cost of a mailing and combine your lists– to both win!
