Sales. For those of us who aren't natural-born salespeople, the very word is enough to send a shudder down our spines. When I hear the word, every bad cliche of a sales person comes to mind. I picture a checkered suit, high-pressure tactics, or even a bait and switch scenario.
Sales doesn't have to be like that. I've learned to sell my services for my business and you can too.
Here are seven sales tips for the home business owner:
- Believe in what you are selling. If you don't believe in your business, then what are you doing running it?
- Listen to the customer. Start by determining what they really need and trying to meet that need, rather than trying to move a product or service that you have on hand.
- Know your stuff. Take the time to learn everything that there is to know about your product or service.
- Be honest. Dishonesty eventually catches up with you.
- Courtesy counts. Be polite to your potential customer. It really does make a difference.
- Stick with it. It's true that persistence pays off.
- Be relationship-minded. Think of your long-term relationship with your customer, rather than the short-term goal of getting the sale.
Do you want more sales tips? Here are five great posts to help you hone your sales skills:
- From About.com, 8 Secrets to a Knockout Business Presentation
- From LifeSpy,Tips for an Effective Sales Presentation
- From FreelanceSwitch, The Dos and Don'ts of Selling to Clients
Leave a comment and let us know.
I grew up around sales and you have nailed all the most important tips. The only thing I might add (and it just jumped into my head) is: There is no need to sale, just let the customer by.
While in college I sold knives door-to-door. I took some of the knives with me and let the customers use them. That alone was enough to make them want to buy. I never SOLD a single knife ;).
Posted by: Kathryn | February 12, 2008 4:34 AM | Permalink to Comment