Increasing Sales.... Write It Down

I’ve been asked time and time again about sales and how to get more of them. Well, there is one sure-fire way to get sales but it is a practiced art and it shouldn’t be the only sales funnel you rely upon. So, what is the one way to actually improve sales?

Notes. Yes, take notes. If you don’t take notes, you likely won’t remember what’s said or what commitments you or the customer made to each other. Plus, when you take detailed notes during a cold call or an initial conversation, you can make your follow-up more personal, which will resonate with the customer and lead to better chances of closing a deal.

I have found that we often spend so much time selling ourselves and pitching our products and services that we fail to listen. We fail to take notes. We fail to solve the problem for the customer vs. selling the customer on solving the problem. Hint: The customer knows they have a problem. They don’t want to hear that you can solve it, they want you to understand how they feel and then have you understand their point of view. Once you can convey that you understand how they feel (again, through detailed follow-up via your notes), then you can ask for their business and start to really close deals and increase sales.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

Your Virtual Office - Free Resources

More people are working from home or running their businesses out of their homes. It seems easy, it's not. At home you have more distractions. You're easily tempted to take an early lunch, chat up the mailman or watch Dr. Oz! If you create the perfect virtual office, you're more likely to stay on schedule.

1. Hire a virtual assistant. You can't do everything all of the time. You will need this assistant, especially as you grow. Even if you work for someone else, the virtual assistant can be your dirty little secret to staying on task and focus. I like this website (AskSunday) because the assistants work and are affordable. How affordable? Prices start at $130 a month! http://www.asksunday.com/services

2. A dedicated virtual office phone. You don't want one of your kids grabbing your business phone, right? I really enjoy the services of Grasshopper. Here's the link. http://www2.grasshopper.com/

Why I like Grasshopper;
A. Call forwarding to mobile phones - work from anywhere
B. Voicemails via email
C. $12.00 a month!

3. Obtain a professional mailing address. You don't want clients to think the packages they sent to you are sitting around on the dining table, do you? Even if this is the case, presentation is everything! I like Virtual Post Mail. Here's the link: http://www.virtualpostmail.com/tour/online-mailbox

This service collects your mail for you, allows you to preview it via email (great for those who travel often), and forwards the mail to your home address. The address is not a PO Box, which looks great on any business card or website. Pricing starts at $5.00 per month.

These are the basics for starting a virtual office. If you have more questions, or need recommendations, please get a hold of me via Twitter.

Happy Friday & I'll talk with you again on Monday!

Twyla

How to Survive A Plane Crash

It’s not a nice subject…. how to survive a plane crash. I wanted to write something relevant on tonight’s blog and, unfortunately, plane crashes have been not only a big story in 2014 – but a recent one too. Since I am in the business of helping to keep people safe, I feel that it is important for me to cover this subject- as uncomfortable as it is.

Here are 3 easy-to –remember tips to help you survive a plane crash. I’m hopeful you will never have to use them.

1. Location, location, location. When you book a flight, try to book one where you can select your own seats. If you can do this, make sure to get seats as close as possible to an exit. Aisle seats are generally preferable as they are easier to get out of. In addition, try to sit in the back of the plane. Passengers in the tail of the aircraft have 40% higher survival rates than those in the first few rows.

2. Stay calm and prepare. I know this is easier said than done but most plane crashes afford passengers several minutes to prepare for the crash. During this time try to determine what surface the plane will land on so you can adjust. If you’re going to be landing in water, for example, you’ll want to put your life vest on—don’t inflate it until you’re out of the plane—and if you’re going to be landing in cold weather, you should try to get a blanket or jacket to keep you warm once outside. Make sure to put your ID and cell phone in your underwear to prevent it from falling out upon impact.

3. That oxygen mask is extremely important! If the cabin is compromised by a fire or air damage, you have only about 15 seconds (often less if you’re a smoker) to start breathing through your oxygen mask before you are rendered unconscious. You need to be alert (most of the time) to survive.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett