Thursday, April 22, 2010

Do Your Homework Before Your Next Sales Call

Doing your homework before you make a sales call has never been easier. And the good news is, the bigger the account, the more information you can uncover. Making assumptions is second only to procrastination in undermining your effort to win more business and make more money. Why make assumptions, when you can get answers to specific questions.
For example learn about the company:

  • What business are they in?
  • What are their sales and profits?
  • What are their strategies?
  • Who are their competitors?
  • What's being said and written about them?
  • Who are their key players?
  • Plus so much more.

Sure you can go to Google.com, Yahoo.com, Ask.com or one of the many search engines available and hunt for information. But there's something else you can do, that will provide you a steady stream of information without having to lift a finger. It also creates a competitive advantage for you.

Most search engines have programs that will e-mail you updates of the latest relevant web and news stories based on your query, topic, company name, or a person's name.

Imagine getting an e-mail every time something is written about your customers, prospects, and yes, even your competitors. It's your way of keeping tabs on what's important. Just set up an Alert or RSS feed. This is a sales tip that will keep on giving.

Set up alerts or RSS feeds for the following:
  • Your biggest customers
  • Your biggest prospects
  • Your biggest competitors
  • Your smallest competitors
  • Your own company
  • Your own name

Don't be too busy to be smart. This is a clever way to be well-informed. Using the alert feature enables you to focus on what's important and what's new and changing. And, you won't have to spend a penny.

Doing your homework isn't optional and has never been easier. You now have a system in place to give you an edge over your competitors.

Source: Jim Meisenheimer earned the designation CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) from the National Speakers Association. He is a charter member of Master Speakers International and has authored seven books including 57 Ways To Take Control Of Your Time And Your Life

Sign-A-Rama - Kearny Mesa in San Diego
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