There’s a question on Yahoo Answers from a man starting a web development business and he was asking how can he market his new business within his locality. So far, he’s thinking of creating a flyer and giving the flyer door to door in his neighborhood. He was also thinking of inserting the flyers in […]
Sales
How to Sell During an Economic Downturn
During this time of economic recession, what is your sales strategy? When times are tough, customers typically reduce spending. They cut back on their purchases, hold off buying, decrease their budgets, even look for alternative (cheaper) suppliers. And all these can wreak havoc on your business, as well. Brent Holloway, co-author of the book Sales […]
Advantages and Disadvantages of Selling on QVC and HSN TV Home Shopping Networks
If you want instant — and HUGE — exposure for your product, check out TV home shopping networks such as QVC and HSN.
How to Sell to a Big Company
Selling your products or services to a big company can be a huge boost for your small or home-based business. Imagine Wal-Mart carrying your product or Carlson Group hiring you to train their employees. That would be a great accomplishment! However, it is not easy, especially if you are just a new company without a […]
How Can a Small Business Provide Excellent Customer Service
In this economically challenging times, excellent customer service becomes even more important for home-based and small businesses. Excellent customer service can help you retain the customers you need to keep your business afloat, or with a lot of good luck and great strategy, even thriving. But how do you know if you are providing the […]
How to Become a Sales Superstar
Voss Graham of Lawn and Landscape Magazine wrote a great article on how to become a sales superstar. To become a sales superstar, you need to master 10 critical decision-making areas that create sales success, as follows: 1. Sales superstars are always learning – learning in-depth about their customers; reading about selling, business trends and […]
10 Tips to Marketing Your Service Business
Whether you run a lawncare or tutoring or cleaning business, here are some ideas on how to get customers for your service business: 1. Many service businesses advertise in local ad magazines and coupon services such as ValPak. Study your competitors’ ads particularly their offers and come-ons for first-time customers. Offer free services that would […]
Maximizing Your Price in a Soft Economy
Establishing maximum value for your price is never easy. In today’s volatile economy, it’s even more of a challenge. For most companies, costs are increasing, yet the ability to pass them along to the customer is fraught with numerous roadblocks. The customer’s response to a price increase is rarely positive, with the usual line of […]
Hiring Sales Representatives to Market Your Business
One way to increase sales is to build a sales force for your business using independent sales representatives. An independent sales representative or manufacturer’s representative sells the products of several different companies. Before you go out and find a sales rep for your business, here are some steps to consider when hiring sales representatives to […]
How to Negotiate Effectively
The ability to know how to negotiate — and negotiate well — is an important element of entrepreneurial success. You negotiate with vendors, with customers, with your bank or investor — practically everyone you will work with in your business. Negotiating is an integral process in business as your needs and goals differ with the […]