Marketing Sales

Things have to change. Cross selling is not going to happen simply by installing new CRM technology. A corresponding movement from a transaction mentality to the underlying CRM principle of focusing on the long-term relationship is required. What does this mean for financial services? Stop pushing products and start building relationships. The Consumer's Perspective Let's take a look from the consumer's perspective. Financial illiteracy is alive and well, especially with baby boomers. Next, throw in brand confusion-the convergence in financial services has produced new players, company names, and products....

To read farther

There's no such thing as a captive audience--any of us can tune out at will. It may surprise you, then, to know that keeping people's attention in this high-tech age takes the same know-how we had in neolithic days. The evidence of cave paintings points to our ancestors' grasp of the power of image and symbol. Their striking use of imagery was likely matched by equally powerful storytelling. To explain the nature of their business, many consultants create information packages. However, communicating is not simply the act of sending information to an audience....

To read farther

Famous quotes that keep you thinking. Have you ever listened to a speaker and they say something that you want to make note of and use later? More than likely, you will write it down and then file it away, never to be uttered again. The saying could be motivational or it can be something that changes your attitude about your work. If you can capture some of these sayings, you could refer to them often. You can then share these with clients and use them for promoting your business. If you look on the web, you will find that some printers have a series of motivational sayings placed on business cards and all you need to do is add your personal information to the back of the card....

To read farther

I went to a networking event the other day where the meeting leader said, "We're going to skip doing the 30-second introductions today because mine's so bad and it doesn't work that it nauseates me." I thought to myself, WOW! I'd skip the next networking meeting until I'd worked out a new introduction. Do you get attention with your introduction? Are you prepared to introduce yourself at your next networking event or for when someone ask, "What do you do?" Consider these tips for developing an attention getting introduction....

To read farther

These steps are taken from the Referral Flood Marketing Program. Referral Flood is an insider's shortcut to referral marketing and features over 4 hours of audio training, 54 real-world referral marketing systems, and a host of referral marketing tools, letters, postcards and forms. Step #1 - Create a referral target market(s) - you must create a target list of companies and individuals who can be motivated to refer. This can be clients or a network of related businesses. Step #2 - Identify your ideal referral client - In order to receive high quality referrals you must be able to quickly communicate the exact type of person or business that makes a great referral....

To read farther

Trade show booths can act as an excellent source for generating sales enquiries in the short run. Companies are able to demonstrate their products or services and get instant enquiries at the booth which on timely follow up can result in sales. Some of the tips on how to maximize the benefits of a trade show booth as a sales tool are mentioned below: 1. On-Spot promotion schemes: This is an age old trick which works well at trade shows. Firstly it makes the visitor stop at your booth for more than a few seconds....

To read farther

Have you ever left a seminar thinking: "I could have done a better job than that!" Before you start signing up attendees, take a few minutes to think about what you are getting into. Putting on a seminar involves planning, time, and money. Understanding the ins and outs of the industry will go a long way in helping you hold a successful seminar. That's where I come in. Over the past 4 years, I have put on over 4,000 seminars, and a handful of national conventions. I will help you plan the event, and make sure that someone shows up!...

To read farther

6) Testimonials support your credibility. It's good practice to ask clients for regular feedback either verbally or in a quick customer satisfaction survey. When you have a happy customer - ask whether you could get a quote from them. Be clear as to how you will use the testimonial - on your website, in your newsletter or letterhead etc. Make sure you accredit the quote explicitly with the name of the client - anonymous testimonials don't hold much punch. After all, testimonials can also give your clients good publicity....

To read farther

The postcard can be a very powerful marketing tool. Many of our customers and/or students use them in their business. The key is to set up the card to market effectively for you. Concentrate on a specific item or niche. When used correctly a post card can become very powerful marketing tool. Be sure the front of your card is explicit. It should be clear to your customer what you are selling. A color postcard is a must, unless you are using black and white to your advantage, that is, to make a point....

To read farther

What benefits will you get from flyers? Flyers are much different from postcards in that they convey product sales to the consumer. Safeway, Costco, Albertsons and other grocery chains are excellent at putting out flyers. Many consumers will look at the specials and head out to purchase them either when they need them or simply to stock up. Do flyers work in this respect? Yes, or they would not be doing them. If you are not in a high demand product line such as groceries, then a multiple page flyer may not be what you want to send to your local area....

To read farther

Marketing is a business process about which much is written, however is often not completely understood. Many think that "marketing" and "advertising" are interchange-able words. This is not the case. Marketing is really a complete, integrated approach to doing business. Many businesses operate on the basis of a "product driven" approach. That is, the business has an ability to produce or provide a particular product and tries to find a market for that product. The enterprise is driven from the orientation of the business and its product....

To read farther

It is my belief that if anyone is to suceed in any type of business then the business needs to be marketed to it's target consumers in an effective manner. In order to do this effectively rather than in an ad hoc, probably expensive, manner I propose the construction of a marketing plan. This is something you can do yourself quite simply, but it will need some time for research and thought if it is to be worthwhile and achieve results. So, have read this far and not run away yet you will be wondering how to go about it....

To read farther