Sales isn't a dirty word
Interview with Clare Bean of IHeartsingleParents.com. Next week’s interview is with Cleon Cox.
Sales Isn’t a Dirty Word
I just finished a two day sales seminar offered by Christine Richards of Blackbelt Business Solutions (I’ll be interviewing her on the radio show in a few weeks!). I can’t say enough good about what I learned about sales, namely the process of how it works and how it doesn’t have to be as intimidating as some people think it is. I have to admit that sales has been one part of my business where I’ve pretty weak, because I’m not always sure how to ask for the sale.
At this seminar, I learned how to ask for the sale, how to feel more confident and also still be respectful of the client. Sales isn’t a dirty word. It is, in fact, an essential part of doing business and we can’t ignore the need to do it, because if we do, we quickly find that we don’t have clients.
Two of the most important aspects of sales is asking questions and listening. Asking questions shows a genuine concern with and interest in the person you are questioning. Likewise, listening is equally important because it shows genuine interest in the potential client.
Another element I think is important is your sales plan. Just as you might write up a marketing or business plan, its equally important to write a sales plan which accounts for how much money you want to make and how you intend to make it. I’ve been working on my sales plan the last couple of nights and I already feel much clearer on that aspect of my business. It does help to have a formula in place where you look at how much you want to make and figure out how many clients it would take to bring that income in, as well as how many contacts you would need to get those clients.
Sales can be fun. I’ve already used several of the processes from Christine’s class and noticed a difference. I’m certain I’ll notice more differences as I continue to practice the techniques and apply them to situations where I need to close a sale.
Upcoming Classes and Events
I will be speaking at the B to C I take the Lead Networking Event on Thursday February 12th, at noon, at Macadam’s Bar and Grill 5833 SW Macadam Portland, Or. The topic will be on how to use podcasts and internet radio to market your business.
I will be speaking at The Women Entrepreneur’s of Oregon on February 19th at noon, at 11900 SW Broadway, Beaverton Or. The topic will be on online social networking.
On February 23rd I’ll be presenting a free teleclass, from 7 to 8pm on The Three Audiences: How to prepare your book for publishers
In this workshop, I discuss the three audiences: The audience who reads your book, the agent who submits it, and the publisher who considers it. We discuss how to write a cover letter, a bio, a synopsis, and a marketing statement.c This workshop is for any writer who is trying to get published and isn’t sure how to get the publisher interested enough to say “yes!”
To register, please go to http://www.imagineyourreality.com/schedule.html
On February 24th I’ll be presenting a free teleclass from 7-8pm on Online Social Networking: How to make it work for you
In this workshop, I’ll be discussing what online social networking is, which social networking websites you should be on and how to make your social networking sites work for you when it comes to promoting your products and services.
To register, please go to http://www.imagineyourreality.com/schedule.html
Book Reviews
Review of the Analects by Confucius
I found this to be a fascinating book because it presents a perspective on social morality and the obligations constructed around having a family and a duty to the society you live in. I’m not sure if the translation is as accurate as it could be and there were times where the subtlety of the subject matter escaped me, likely because I’m not from china nor do I really have an accurate understanding of the culture in Confucius’s time, let alone present time. Still, I found this book fascinating because it presents a different perspective on social responsibility and morality toward the people we interact with. I highly recommend reading it as an opportunity to expand your horizons both culturally and for social responsibility.
4 out of 5
Review of Working for Yourself by Stephen Fishman
This is an excellent book to read if you are working for yourself. Fishman explains how taxes work for self-employed people, how to make the IRS work for you, while avoiding an audit, and also how to draw up contracts which protect your time and income. If you are self-employed you will need this book. Even better, the matter is very accessible and easy to work through. Fishman breaks the chapters down so that it’s easy to find what you need, without necessarily having to read the entire book.
5 out of 5 financial attorneys
