Effective Sales Calls

Effective Sales Calls

Making sales calls are a necessary part of your business, though for many people, it is one of their least favorite things to do. We are sometimes hindered by a fear of rejection, but by implementing a few suggestions and preparing well, you will find your sales calls to be much more pleasant and effective.

Use referrals. When making your list of contacts, use your referrals as a starting point. You already have an opening when you make the call by telling the customer who referred you; this can even lead to a bit of small talk that will put the person at ease. For example, “Jane Woodson referred me to you. Our sons play on the same baseball team, and she mentioned that your son is on the team as well? How is he enjoying the season so far?” Using referrals can help you take a genuine interest in your contact, which will motivate them to listen to your pitch.
Offer a good value. This can be a bit tricky, as value is perceived differently by different people. However, as long as you are knowledgeable about the benefits of your product or service and how it compares to others, you will be able to demonstrate its value in ways other than price. For instance, if a product you carry has similar features to a competitors’ but is more expensive, point out that it is made from higher quality materials, that it comes with a lifetime guarantee, or that the customer can try it risk-free for 60 days. Whatever the incentive, always be clear in emphasizing a product’s value.
Provide solutions. Most consumers are seeking certain products that have a purpose in their lives. What solution does your product provide for a customer’s problem? Reflect on your own experiences to help you answer that question. One consultant for a jewelry company first fell in love with the product line because it allowed her to take her outfit from the office to an evening out by simply changing out one necklace for another or clipping an extra piece onto her bracelet to make it sparkle for her night out. This may not be a life-altering solution, but it is a common one that most women would love to know about. Be the answer to your customers’ problem.
Know your client. A client never wants to feel as if he or she is just a number on your list of calls to make. Tailor your calls to be specific to each person; this doesn’t mean that every single call will be different, but it does mean that you have done a certain amount of preparation for the call so that you can appeal to a client’s unique need. You wouldn’t have the same conversation with a repeat customer that you would have with a prospect you’ve never met or done business with. Take a few minutes to find out something about each contact before picking up the phone. Often that research can be done when receiving the referral.
Anticipate objections. Sometimes you will encounter one or more objections to what you are trying to sell. Before making a call, prepare a list of possible objections and decide how you will respond to each one. You will not be able to anticipate every possible objection, but having a good idea as to how you will handle them can be useful in helping you overcome objections and make the sale. The more prepared you are, the less likely you are to be caught off guard without knowing what to say.
Use scripts wisely. Writing a script is a great way to get started with sales calls. You can literally map out your ideal conversation, and then using the suggestions above, prepare yourself for the many different turns the conversation may take. One thing to be aware of, however, is not to sound like you are reading from a script which can sound extremely impersonal, and may cause a client to either tune out or cut the call short. Use the script as a guide only; know what you are going to say and speak in a natural, conversational tone.

Do you have any tips to share for making your sales calls more effective? Please share them with us below!

Free e-book “Business Owner’s Road Map to Success.” It has over 50 pages of techniques for everything a small business owner needs to master, from business planning and ethical selling to a success mindset. It’s all there and it’s free for you. To get it, just “Like” our Facebook Page here: http://on.fb.me/KsIN6P Pass it on!

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Profile of an Easy Sale

Profile of an Easy Sale

Making a sale is not always easy. However, understanding these main points may help you convert more sales and make the process easier.

Identify the right product for the right client. You must define your target market and then make sure that your products/services are solving problems they have. Without this key element you will not make many sales.
Develop and cultivate relationships. If you have some kind of relationship with a prospect it will make it easier to approach them with your products/services. Done correctly, the sales pitch comes across more like helping out a friend. Make sure you are authentic, honest and providing a solution to your friend’s problem. A relationship built on trust and value will generate reorders.
Once you have a relationship with your prospect, find out what their likes and dislikes are. Understand what impresses the prospect. Do they focus on value, style, ease? Lead with that in your solution to their problem (sales pitch).
Finally, make the sales process quick, simple and easy. Your ability to do this will project professionalism and cause the prospect to perceive greater value in your products and services. And the next time he/she needs products/services like yours, he/she will go to you first.

Take a look at your current approach to selling. Do you follow these main points? How well are you implementing them? If you understand and apply these main points in this order, and take the time to do it correctly, in the long run you will generate more sales, reorders and make sales easier.

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DSEF & CBBB: Can You Get Rich Quickly By Flipping Houses?

By Holly Doering

This weekend, a company is coming to my town to hold a free seminar on “flipping” houses. According to our state’s Department of Labor & Industries, flipping is defined as owning a property for less than one year, making more than $500 in improvements, and selling the property with the intention of monetary gain.

The company in question has advertised in the past that you could earn between $3,000 and $10,000 a month with their program. Now they just say you’ll earn cash and build a massive residual income stream. It’s supposed to be pretty easy. Sound like a sweet deal?

Not so fast. Here’s the rest of the story:

1) While initial seminars are free, additional seminars cost $1,500. You’ll also be encouraged to invest in more training—up to $25,000.

2) Fox Business says that to make a living flipping houses, you’ll need to have at least half a dozen going at once. Other sources caution that flipping isn’t for the financially strapped—it requires cash reserves.

3) Even if you only flip one house per year, your state may consider you a “contractor,” which means you’ll need to be licensed, bonded, and insured with L&I. If the IRS considers you a “dealer-trader,” you’ll have to pay self-employment taxes.

4) This company has earned an F rating with the BBB, based on a government action alleging deceptive trade practices and consumer complaints reporting trouble canceling purchases and obtaining refunds. Always check the track records of companies atwww.bbb.org before doing business.

According to MSN Real Estate, house flipping is not as easy as it looks on TV. They report that on the original video of the A&E reality show “Flip This House,” there was even a warning stating “Do not try this at home. It’s for trained professionals. You will lose money.”

Making money in real estate is possible. But like anything else, it takes time and effort. If you attend a seminar like the one described above, ask a lot of questions and read contracts thoroughly before signing. (Make sure you get the exact name of the seminar you attended.) Understand any cancellation clauses or refund policies too.

DSEF and Council on Better Business Bureaus (CBBB) fosters honest and responsive relationships between businesses and consumers—instilling consumer confidence and advancing a trustworthy marketplace for all.

About the Better Business Bureaus
As the leader in advancing marketplace trust, Better Business Bureau is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 87 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews® and BBB Wise Giving Reports® to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. Visitwww.bbb.org/us for more information.

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4 Rules for Business Growth

Do you remember running the 50-meter dash as a kid in gym class? The task was simple: run as fast as you can until you reach the end. Your direct sales business, however, requires a much different approach, one more similar to running the mile; you need endurance, stamina, and a view of the overall task in order to succeed. Growing your business should always be a super-objective you are striving to achieve to stay ahead of the competition, evolve with the industry, and know how to satisfy your customers’ needs. Read on for some suggestions to grow your business for the long haul.

Educate yourself on current trends. You should make it your business to always be aware of where the industry is headed; the last decade, for example, has found the direct selling industry rife with change. The focus has shifted from building face-to-face relationships exclusively to combining those efforts with building online relationships as well. In addition to this virtual internet takeover, the economy has also played a major role in how direct sellers operate their businesses. Did you know that an economic downturn can actually benefit the industry? Always do your research to stay on top of what is happening with the direct sales industry as a whole, not just your particular company.
Evaluate your ideas and seek improvement. This is especially true if you have been working your business for a long time. You most likely have some tried and true methods of marketing, demonstrating products, and recruiting prospects for your downline. Make sure you periodically self-evaluate what you’re doing and continually be on the lookout to better your own ideas. Get feedback from your upline, your customers, and your network. The best way to grow your business is to be a perpetual student; never stop learning.
Take calculated risks. Risk-taking is a necessary element to any business, but since you are ultimately responsible for the consequences, both good and bad, of those risks, really weigh the pros and cons before making the final decisions. When faced with a decision about your business, take into account not only the financial implications, but also those that may affect other aspects such as your reputation, adherence to your company’s policies, or your ability to provide top-quality customer service. While we certainly cannot look into a crystal ball, the key to risk-taking is to be educated enough to make an informed, well-thought out decision.
Brand and market yourself. You are likely one of thousands of direct sellers representing your company. What sets you apart from other consultants? What benefits would a customer reap by choosing to work with you instead of the representative across town? Focus your efforts on becoming an expert in your field, and market yourself as someone who is passionate not just about the products themselves, but what they can do for others. If your company sells products that are environmentally-friendly, your prospects and customers should know why this is such an important issue for you. What is your connection? Why did you choose to do this as your way of earning a living? Decide what makes you unique and begin building yourself into a brand to differentiate yourself from others.

A successful direct sales business is within your reach; look at the big picture, continue developing your talents and skills, and make informed decisions about where to focus your professional efforts. What are some tips you have to add to our list? Please share them with us below!

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6 Ideas to Increase Sales

Working as a direct seller requires you to wear many different hats: sales representative, party planner, marketing executive, administrative assistant, etc. It can be easy to get sidetracked with all of these responsibilities, so it’s important to remember that the bottom line of your business comes down to sales. Even if you have built a substantial downline, many direct sales companies require you to meet a minimum number in sales every month to earn your commission.

Here are some tips on how to increase sales.

Cross-selling is recommending related products that complement others that have already been purchased or are being purchased at the moment. Your customer is likely unfamiliar with your entire line of products, so introducing something that might be of interest based on past purchases can increase the amount of that sale. Using this technique repeatedly can quickly add up. For example, if a customer is buying a baby lotion that is specifically designed for sensitive skin, direct him/her to your company’s line of products that are hypoallergenic and free of unnecessary chemicals. Besides the lotion, the customer may wind up walking away with body wash, diaper cream, and sunscreen as well. As an added bonus, you’ve also demonstrated your attention to the customer’s specific needs, which will make him or her want to buy from you again.
Best value quick sale is offering products/services that give customers the best value for their money and are ready for immediate delivery. Especially for new customers, this will establish that you’ll sell them products/services of high quality at a reasonable price, and give them instant gratification.
Business referral exchange program. By partnering or teaming up with other businesses or consultants in your area, you not only generate more brand exposure, but increase sales. Create relationships with other businesses that compliment your products/services where you recommend each other’s services/products and may consider offering special promotions for each other’s products/services to your customers.
Personalize appointments by offering to meet with people face to face and set up private appointment. It gives you a chance to be more social, develop a relationship and explain the advantages of your products/services related to the customer’s needs.
Create contests or promotions to market your products. Whether your company has a featured product for the month or if you have some excess inventory you’d like to unload, contests are a fun and effective way to draw attention to certain products and make them stand out from the rest. With spring almost over and summer close upon us, it might be a good idea to get a jumpstart on your summer-related products with a raffle. For every dollar your customers spend on beachwear in the month of May, for example, they will receive one entry into a drawing for a family-sized beach tote filled with goodies for the kids to enjoy while playing in the sand this summer on vacation. Specific promotions like these allow you to control what products are highlighted, draw focus to featured items, and give customers the opportunity to purchase something now that they may have held off on by offering them a fun incentive.
Reward your customers by implementing a referral program. In direct sales, word-of-mouth goes a long way, especially when there is a lot of competition. Make sure you have some way of learning how each new customer found you: you could ask them when making a transaction face-to-face, create a space for it on your order form, make it a question on a post-purchase web survey, etc. Every time a customer refers you to someone who in turn becomes a customer, reward the original customer to show your appreciation. Some consultants make their own rewards cards a la Subway, while others give away vouchers, coupons, or free gifts. Whatever you decide, make sure you always follow through and that your customers, especially the new ones, know that such a rewards program exists.

Increasing sales requires planning, creativity, and knowledge of your company’s product line. Focusing on your existing customers is a great place to start, and always make sure they know that you appreciate their patronage and that you will always do your best to make them satisfied and happy they chose you.

What other ideas do you have to increase sales? Please share them in the comments section below!

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DSEF & CBBB: Tips for Ordering Online…says Carol

Tips for Ordering Online…says Carol

By Carol Odell

A friend ordered a prom dress from China through eBay for her daughter. Before ordering she had researched the company’s track record and found it stellar.

After the prom dress didn’t arrive in the promised time, she contacted the company only to learn that the dress had been shipped to an address in North Carolina. Communication with the company was frustrating as there was a language barrier.

Having not received an acceptable response from the company, my friend contacted eBay. Bad news, she was told because she had ordered the dress as a “guest” and not a member of eBay there was nothing eBay could do, their dispute resolution process was only for members.

Since she went through PayPal she decided to contact them as well. Again, the same story, since she was a guest and not a member of PayPal, there was nothing they could do. She is out $169.00 — and worse, she had an extremely disappointed daughter.

My friend has learned you cannot make any assumptions when ordering online even when dealing with a highly rated company, each company will have its own policies. Make sure you know what they are.

Some tips to follow before ordering are:

Know what the return policy is with all parties involved.
Is the return policy the same for all customers?
Know what will be the latest shipping date? Also, note that it could be after the return policy date voiding your chances to return the item.
What is the policy if the order gets lost? Be sure you file a claim within the allotted time frame. Companies may try to put you off past the timeframe to file a claim.
Remember to only use a credit card, not a debit card.
Print out confirmation of the order with the promised shipping date.

Do you have an interesting story about ordering online? Love to hear it.

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How to Run a Successful Direct Selling Business (and a Free Gift for You!)

How to Run a Successful Direct Selling Business (and a Free Gift for You!)

More and more people are turning to direct selling to supplement their incomes. And it’s no mystery why. Benefits like flexibility, training, and low cost of entry make this as attractive option for millions of people around the world.

While there are a variety of factors that contribute to a successful direct selling business, it’s important to focus on the basics to succeed in this unique business model. It doesn’t matter if you are just launching your business or if you have been running your business successfully for years; a mastery of the basics will allow you to maintain and grow a profitable business for as long as you would like to.

Here are some keys to running a successful direct selling business:

Keep your calendar full. This obviously depends on how much work you want. Let’s assume you would like to have a consistent schedule of three parties per week. Your goal for each party you complete should be to replace it with another party. If for some reason that does not happen at that particular event, find that booking elsewhere. The same goes for one-on-one sales appointments. Set yourself a weekly number you want to maintain, and hold yourself to it. Don’t stop until you’ve got the dates on your calendar. Your business is a business, so time, planning, and effort are all required for turning any kind of a profit on a regular basis. Be proactive and schedule as many sales opportunities as you need to meet your goals.
Make each sales appointment count. What this means is that each time you do a party or sales appointment, you should approach it as freshly as you did for your very first one. Even if you’ve done your sales presentation hundreds of times, even if you’ve demonstrated your products hundreds of times, etc., your enthusiasm and commitment to your customers should always be strong. To prevent your own boredom with your sales “routine,” don’t be afraid to tweak it every now and then. While you don’t want to alter things that always work really well, it’s still necessary to keep it fresh by replacing certain elements with new ideas. Look to your upline and internet resources such as Direct Selling 411 and Between Moms for tips on how to incorporate new ideas into your sales presentations.
Be an expert on your product. No product sells itself. Because of this, you need to know the ins and outs of your product line, especially its benefits. Think of your product as a solution to a problem. When in a sales situation, solving this problem for the customer should be your focus; you are educating the customer so they know why they need it and demonstrating your expertise to show that you are the person they should be buying from. Direct sales companies normally provide additional product information to supplement the standard materials like catalogs and pamphlets, but if this isn’t the case, don’t be afraid to reach out to your upline and even your corporate office. It behooves everyone involved for you to know as much as possible about what you’re trying to sell.
Recruit often. Many direct sales consultants shy away from recruiting for fear of seeming pushy. What they don’t realize is that they are likely missing out on additional streams of income. If you truly believe in your company and the opportunities it offers, then take the initiative to share it with others often. Always be ready to talk about your business in both formal and informal situations. Tip: Create a few scripts to memorize that cover a wide variety of situations. How would you respond if someone making small talk at a birthday party asks what you do for a living? What about if a customer at a party asks how if you enjoy being a consultant? Different situations call for different conversations, so preparedness is essential.

At the Direct Selling Education Foundation, we’re committed to helping you achieve success! That’s why we’ve created a free e-book called “Business Owner’s Road Map to Success.” It has over 50 pages of techniques for everything a small business owner needs to master, from business planning and ethical selling to a success mindset. It’s all there and it’s free for you. To get it, just “Like” our Facebook Page here: http://on.fb.me/KsIN6P

Pass it on!

Here’s to your success!

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Creating Additional Income Streams For Your Business

As an entrepreneur, you’re always looking for ways to increase sales and diversify your opportunities. The business world is unpredictable, but especially in times like these, having the security of an alternate income can be a lifesaver if for some reason you experience a lull in business. Fortunately, there are many ways to create additional income without having to shell out any kind of significant investment.

Teaching, coaching, and consulting are all great ways to bring in some extra cash. All you need to invest is your time, which you’ll use to reach out and offer your services, as well as time you’ll need to prepare a presentation of some kind. If teaching interests you, reach out to local community colleges, libraries, or recreation centers with an idea for a class, workshop, or seminar. Create multiple sessions and offer prospective students a package deal. If teaching isn’t your thing, you might be more comfortable with one-on-one coaching or consulting. Using your skills and experience, you undoubtedly have a lot to offer someone who is just starting out in small business ownership or something else related to your field. The possibilities are limited only by what you’re willing to do, and the result can be very profitable.
Start a blog. Writing a blog can be an effective way to share your expertise with others, market your business, and attract more customers. You don’t have to limit yourself to blogging; create a website that includes how-to videos, customer testimonials, or even guest posts from other industry experts. Earning money as a result of online content can take some time, but the potential for it paying off is certainly achievable.
Listen to what your customers want. Take the initiative by asking your own customers as well as others in your network about what other services/products they would like to see. For example, if you’re in the business of creating gift baskets, ask your customers what other service/product they would like to see. A customer might suggest fun gift baskets for kids. This might be an idea worth exploring. Ideas from customers are often your best source of creating an additional income stream.
Explore your other interests and skills. Make a list of all your hobbies, as well as all the things you do around the home, for your kids and through volunteer work. For example, you might list doing pedicures with your daughters. Since you sell cosmetics, this might become a service you offer. Or besides selling kitchenware, you also love healthy cooking and you might sell an easy to follow healthy cooking program. You want to look for things that compliment what you are doing now and other interests and skills you possess.
Other ideas to explore.
- Create your own How-To-Videos
- Sell other services that compliment your current business
- Personalization services – gift wrapping, sewing, special delivery
- Create partnership with local businesses

With some effort and extra time, you have the ability to find additional sources of income. This revenue can help you get through a slow season or simply help you reach your personal and professional financial goals faster (not to mention expanding your contact list for your primary business!) What other ways can you create alternate streams of income? Please share with us below!

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Finding Confidence

There are so many different factors that contribute to success in your direct sales business, but one of the most important is the confidence you project to others. Because your business functions on the relationships you build with others, your customers must know that you are the right person for the job. When you truly believe that you’re great at what you do, then your customers will know it too.

Practice makes perfect. If you lack confidence in your sales presentation for example, improving yourself can be as simple as practicing. Start by making your presentation in front of the mirror, and then move on to your kids’ stuffed animals. When you start feeling better about what you’re doing, get up in front of a few close family members to continue rehearsing. For the truly brave and ambitious, consider recording yourself on video. Watch it back and take notes on what you’d like to improve as well as where you excelled. This will give you a more accurate perspective on how others perceive you and will also allow you to pinpoint areas of strength and weakness.
Find a mentor. The mentor relationship can be extremely beneficial for both the mentor and protégé. The first place to look is to your upline, most likely the person who brought you into the business. If that person is unavailable, he or she can connect you with other experienced and successful direct sales consultants either within your company or others that can help increase your self-esteem through pep talks, professional development opportunities, networking events, etc. It may be a good idea to observe your mentor in action. If the person is always at the top of list in sales every month, ask him or her to take you along to a sales presentation or home party. You may come away from the experience with some fresh ideas that you can apply to your own method. The key to an effective mentor relationship is having someone that you trust and respect.
Find a partner. A partner, unlike a mentor, doesn’t have to be someone involved in the business. Sometimes the best partners are people already in our lives that can act as our personal cheerleaders. A close friend or relative that can share joy in your accomplishments and bolster your self-esteem after rejection would make a great partner. Identify first what you want and need in a partner and share your ideas with that person. It never hurts to have someone who you know will be in your corner no matter what.
Dress for success. This may seem obvious, but when we are self-conscious about the way we look, it affects our entire being; this lack of confidence can be sensed by others. Make sure when you leave the house for a sales demo or training event, for example, you are wearing something that makes you feel good. It should fit you well, be appropriate for the event (not to casual and not too dressy), and be put together with appropriate accessories and hair style. A put-together look exudes professionalism, competence, and of course confidence.

How do you find confidence within yourself? Does it increase your success? Please share your ideas with us in the comments section below!

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No Sales? Tips to Make Sales

No Sales? Tips to Make Sales

If you are experiencing a lag in sales, the first thing to do is use your direct sales method to your advantage. Because your business model relies on person-to-person interaction, emphasize your genuine concern for customer satisfaction and the relationships you have built to generate sales. No matter what product or service you offer, here are some tips to increase your sales in everything from health food to handbags.

Refocus on what people are buying. Consumers’ needs are always changing. Consider the explosion of smartphones purchased in the last five years. Once the major manufacturers created a product so convenient and affordable, it became nearly impossible to live without. It’s important to always pay attention to the trends in consumer interest. As a direct sales representative, you may not have control over the product, but you do have control over how you market that product. For example, there is a big need right now for people to be able to add more fresh produce into their diets. When marketing your cookware, highlight those pieces that make recipes such as summer squash casserole and broccoli rabe salad easier and more fun to make.
Sell the benefits of your product instead of the product itself. Once you’ve identified what customers are buying, center your attention on marketing the benefits. This will help them understand why it is they want the product. For example, instead of just focusing on the aesthetics of long necklace, demonstrate that its various colors make it a versatile complement to any wardrobe; display all the different ways in which it can be worn for any occasion. When a customer understands the benefits of a product, they will place greater value in it, and therefore want to own it.
Offer something free. This is your opportunity to get creative. Offering something free with a purchase can come in many forms: a free gift on the spot, a free sample of a brand-new product, a voucher for a gift with a future purchase, etc. Again, the focus should be on what the customer wants. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different offers and promotions until you find the one that works best for your product and customers’ needs.
Minimize risk. Everyone can be hesitant before making a purchase, no matter how big or small. Alleviate that fear by minimizing the buying risk. Your company most likely has some sort of guarantee in place, but in certain cases, you can go above and beyond that if possible. For example, say your company offers a lifetime replacement guarantee on any handbag found to have a manufacturing defect. A customer asks you about this guarantee but is disappointed to hear that she would still have to pay shipping costs to return the defective item. Offer to foot the bill for the shipping or offer a complimentary pickup service to save her the hassle of a trip to the post office. The less risk there is in making a purchase, the more likely the customer will be to try it out.

The direct sales industry is all about meeting your customers’ needs. Once you can get in touch with what those are, use your strengths in customer service and your creativity in marketing to increase your sales. Happy customers will gladly share their positive shopping experiences with their friends and family, so satisfaction certainly goes a long way.