I just read in the Harvard Business Review daily stat that when simultaneously using multiple items, consumers prefer products of the same brand, a phenomenon that overwhelms their preexisting brand preferences. Here's what they report: Research participants who were consuming a nonfavored brand (of chips, say) chose the same brand of a complementary product (salsa, for … [Read more...]
Want better sales results? Here’s what needs to change.
In sales, your results speak for themselves. If something is not working, the only changes you can make are to yourself. Despite your belief that sometimes the customer is wrong (especiallywhen they don’t buy from you!), you cannot change your customers. You can only change your response to them and your preparation for future sales calls. What are you doing differently to … [Read more...]
What is your prospect’s problem worth?
I recently reviewed the proposals that a client was generating. Not only were they not customized to a particular prospect, but in none of them was there any indication of what the prospects' problem was costing them. If you're selling products or services for a substantial amount (you can determine that) then you had better be clear on what the problem is costing the prospect … [Read more...]
Be more persuasive
The tools of sales professionals are the words they use. Here's how you can use those tools more effectively. When you are being more persuasive you will shorten your sales cycle and sell more. Here's a concise article on specific persuasion strategies to use. I recommend using them all! Best wishes for your successful selling! … [Read more...]
Words that Sell
I've always said that words are the tools of a sales professional. Here's proof that your words help you sell: This is from the Wall Street Journal Oct. 5, 2012 issue: Want to sell your house fast? It's not what you say, it's how you say it. How well can you sell? Houses that real-estate agents describe as "move-in condition" sell 12% faster than homes listed without those … [Read more...]
Do you sell like a sales champion?
Most insurance agents sell insurance. The more successful ones sell security or peace of mind. One insurance salesperson sold more than 100 times as much insurance as other insurance salespeople. He sold even more than insurance, security or peace of mind. He sold tax shelters. He packaged insurance as one component in providing tax shelters to higher income customers. A … [Read more...]
Get More Confidence for Selling
Athletes have referees. Salespeople have customers with friends from whom they might prefer to buy. Salespeople and athletes are alike in that they are both unable to control the outcome of their efforts. This lack of control can erode confidence which is dangerous for both groups. One way to build confidence and get better results is to focus on the things you can control. … [Read more...]
Here’s what you can learn from Apple to Sell More
Who do you think sells more per retail square foot? Pricey Tiffany & Co. with their $100,000 baubles or Apple retail stores? If you said Tiffany, you would be wrong. Apple retail stores sell annually an amazing $4,406/square foot. Tiffany & Co., the most successful large jewelry retailer, has annual sales of $3,070 per square foot. Those Apple salespeople can really sell. … [Read more...]
More Sales Ideas
If you're looking for new sales ideas, here's an article I wrote about selling. This first appeared in Allbusiness.com on May 12, 2011 … [Read more...]