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An Often Overlooked Strategy for Getting Your Foot in the DoorMost companies are constantly seeking efficient and cost effective marketing and promotions strategies. It's likely they are also seeking strategies to increase sales through obtaining key information. Regardless of the industry, almost everyone has heard or read arguments saying sales and marketing are separate, while at other times hearing and reading they are interconnected. The fact is that you have to market your product or business in order to find prospects to sell to. On the other hand, your level of professionalism as a salesperson will directly impact your marketing message. Simply put, everything you do is a part of your marketing. Without effective marketing many people won't know what you are selling. The two go hand in hand. In the process of selling you must be able to address the question most prospects will ask: "What can you do for me?" This question can be answered by the content of your marketing material as well as your responses while meeting with a client. While you can tell your prospects and customers how absolutely wonderful you are and all you can do for them, an even more effective strategy is for someone else to "blow your horn." A customer who is willing to answer that question for your prospect oftentimes adds to your effectiveness and credibility in the sales process. One of the best ways to do this is with written customer testimonials. Testimonials can be very effective in positioning your product or service and may give that extra little push when a potential client is trying to decide on whether or not they will be doing business with you. The easiest way to get a testimonial is to do a great job. The second easiest way is to ask for it. When a customer or client tells you how happy they are with what you have done ask them if they would be willing to put that in a letter. It is a good idea to have a cross section of testimonials you can use in your sales and marketing process. This way, regardless of your clients' situation, you have a testimonial that will address their needs. Don't be afraid to ask for feedback. Asking for a testimonial is not arrogant or egotistical. When you go above and beyond, most people are willing to let others know how much they appreciate you or your product. A short time ago my most recent book was released. Myself and my co-authors have enjoyed increased daily sales with 101 Ways to Get Your Foot in the Door. Although many people are telling us how fun, creative and useful the book is, I knew if we could get testimonials from readers we would be able to use them in our marketing and promotions efforts. I sent an email out to a few dozen folks who had purchased the book asking for written feedback. Within minutes I began receiving testimonials. Here two of the dozens I received: "I was pleasantly surprised reading 101 Ways to Get Your Foot
in the Door. I was so impressed that I am requiring my sales staff
to read it and we are getting together to discuss how we can
implement some of these ideas into our marketing campaigns. Great
job!" "101 Ways to Get Your Foot in the Door was full of great ideas
to separate sales people from the ordinary. This is a must have
book for those that want to be remembered and stand apart from the
ordinary sales person or marketing company. This book has been
referred back to often and will be a permanent addition to our
business library. Thank you for putting these ideas into a
book." What Craig and Michele have said is a greater testament to a potential buyer than me telling them how great the book is. And notice what it is doing for them... their testimony is added visibility for their company. A win/win situation. Although testimonials are great to use, keep in mind that they do not replace the simple act of asking potential clients for the business. Testimonials are simply another key aspect of an effective success strategy. Copyright © 2004 by Kathleen Gage Publishing Guidelines: You may publish my article in your newsletter, on your website or in your print publication provided you include the resource box at the end. Notification would be appreciated but is not required. Other articles by this author »
About Kathleen Gage
If you are in any form of sales and are tired of cold calling visit www.101waystogetyourfootinthedoor.com to receive fr*ee tips on getting your foot in the door and staying ahead of the competition. Author Kathleen Gage is a business advisor, keynote speaker and trainer who helps others increase revenues and decrease costs by gaining dominance and visibility within their market. Related
And here is another random article you might be interested in... New web-based HR tool is "Max" from NAS, Hannibal, and InfoLink.Three highly respected names in Human Resources have joined forces to provide companies with a revolutionary blend of services that make the hiring process more efficient and effective. The partnership joins three companies: NAS Recruitment Communications, a recognized leader in the specialized field of human resource communications, Hannibal, Inc., a software development firm specializing in recruiting automation solutions, and InfoLink Screening Services, Inc., a nationwide leader in employment background screening, drug testing and physical exam services. The three companies' services, each of which may be utilized separately, are now available through NAS's new web-based recruiting tool called "Max." Max makes it easier for HR departments to source, match, screen and hire quality employees. One of the primary benefits of Max is the ease with which recruitment ads can be placed and tracked. "Companies of every size can count on Max for the simplest and most efficient recruiting assistance in the industry," stated Don Sabatino, Vice President of NAS Recruitment Communications. "Max is not a typical applicant tracking system (ATS). Unlike the traditional ATS approach, which can take months to fully set-up and integrate, Max will be up and running in a matter of days." Max installs easily, is updated automatically and provides a full range of sourcing, screening, and organizational functions that are ideally suited to the needs of today's modern Human Resources executives. Max is also available in a tiered format to fit the exact requirements and budgetary commitments of every HR department. Key components include the following:
A strategic partner in the release of Max is InfoLink Screening Services, a leading provider of background screening, drug testing and physical exams of job applicants and employees. InfoLink has a strong reputation for providing exceptional service and fast turnaround of information, as well as ensuring its clients screening practices are legally compliant. "InfoLink's Integrated Background Screening (TM) and easy-to-use web-based solution enable Max users to eliminate duplicate data entry and data entry errors, increase efficiency, and reduce cost and time-to-hire," stated Barry Nadell, President and Co-Founder of InfoLink Screening Services. "Our combined strengths give HR departments total control in recruiting and background screening their job applicants." NAS Recruitment Communications NAS Recruitment Communications is recognized as a leader in the specialized field of human resource solutions. As part of the McCann Worldgroup, we offer a network with global, national and local-market expertise. HR departments are able to benefit from our proprietary Demand Chain, a process map that creates the foundation and traction to lead superbly talented people to our Employer of Choice clients. For more information, please call NAS Los Angeles at (818 906-3313 or visit www.nasrecruitment.com. Hannibal, Inc. Pioneering numerous advancements in electronic recruiting, Hannibal, Inc. emerged as an industry leader by developing HR technology that provides valuable, cost effective and efficient services at the touch of a button. Hannibal's continued goal is the development of products that anyone can use, regardless of computer literacy level, Internet skills or knowledge of recruiting laws and practices. For more information, please email info@hannibalinc.com or visit www.hannibalinc.com. InfoLink Screening Services, Inc. InfoLink Screening Services is a leading provider of employment background checks, drug testing and physical exams. Thousands of companies nationwide, from small businesses to Fortune 500's, rely on InfoLink's exceptional service, fast turnaround, legal compliance and accurate reports. InfoLink's easy-to-use web-based solution enables easy order entry, status tracking, hit notification and secure archiving. Its drug screening and physical exam programs include a nationwide network of thousands of collection sites and clinics, secure online reporting and consolidated billing. InfoLink's comprehensive employee screening services and seamless integration with Human Resource software increase efficiency and enable businesses to Hire with Confidenceâ„¢. For more information, please call (800) 990-HIRE (4473) or visit http://www.infolinkscreening.com. For a product demo of "Max," or more information, please contact Greg Rousseau, NAS, 818-906-3313; grousseau@nasrecruitment.com. Other articles by this author »
About Scott G
Scott G writes about advertising, advertainment, music and digital distribution from Los Angeles, CA. Related
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