Improving Your New Business Efforts
Misconception
Always be cautious of the assumption that you have a healthy pipeline.
Sales fortunes can transform rapidly so never limit your sales efforts through complacency.
Remember the following…
Don't:
- Think that your sector of business does not warrant a devoted sales focus
- Assume your client base or prospect pipeline is healthy enough to ignore
- Rely on referrals and responses to advertisements
- Depend on the same sized companies or sectors for business
Do:
- Recognise the importance of selling ability to any business
- Grow your client base at every opportunity
- Be proactive, take ownership of your new business acquisition
- Approach new markets and secure bigger contracts
Try To C.L.O.S.E.
The C.L.O.S.E. acronym emphasises the fundamentals of improving your sales conduct.
C is for conviction. It is very easy to lose heart when faced with objection.
A firm belief in the strength of your offering elicits confidence from your
prospect.
L stands for listen. Never talk over your prospect without really listening to what they are saying. This will diminish their faith in a working relationship and stop you uncovering their sincere needs.
O is for opportunity. Great sales opportunities rarely fall into the laps of smaller businesses. Put yourself in front of the right people and be ready to take full advantage.
S relates to sound byte. Decision makers will demand the important details. Your spoken and written words need to be concise and purposeful.
E stands for elevator pitch. A 30-40 second breakdown of your offering and its broader significance is crucial for those ad hoc pitching opportunities.
Be Proactive
Take control by implementing some of the following techniques…
- Assess the possibility of new business from existing clients
- Identify your most receptive customers and offer them more for their money
- Encourage referrals by offering markdowns to your most loyal clients
- Introduce your business to new customers by purchasing relevant data and
attending networking events
- Avoid making resource cuts to your sales and marketing- these are the areas
most crucial to market survival
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