Like this article? PLEASE +1 it! Evan Signature
Evan Carmichael Top Header
Share for a Cause









Increase Sales By Discovering the Facts, Just the Facts

Guest post by: Leanne Hoagland-Smith

Article Overview: The ongoing quest of "How to increase sales" is never ending since mankind first began peddling his or her products or services. To realize this goal to increase sales must include the sales skill of fact finding or in simpler terms – research.

Free Download - How to Craft an Engaging Message That Highlights What You Do to Increase Sales By Leanne Hoagland-Smith
Name: Email:

Increase Sales By Discovering the Facts, Just the Facts

The ongoing quest of "How to increase sales" is never ending since mankind first began peddling his or her products or services. To realize this goal to increase sales must include the sales skill of fact finding or in simpler terms – research.

Advertising legend David Ogilvy once said: "Advertising people who ignore research are as dangerous as generals who ignore decodes of enemy signals." Possibly, you may think that you are not in advertising, but everyone in sales is in advertising and their sales skills need to reflect expertise in this area.

You are advertising your message to those around you and most certainly to that individual sitting across from you. The sales coaching question is: Have you collected all the facts and just the facts to ensure that you understand your qualified prospect's or prospect's needs?

Just this morning, I listened to another new small business owner (soon to be another failed business statistic) explain his new great marketing idea. After I listened, I asked him if he took the time to do the necessary demographic and psycho-graphic research. His idea may have merit, but rushing out and putting this new marketing strategy in writing could also send his business to a much earlier grave. How many times have small business owners branded themselves with a sudden idea only to have it come back and bite them in the foot (bottom line)?

The Internet has enabled both small business owners and sales professionals who use this sales skill of fact finding to maximize those interactions. From 30 minutes to several hours, any sales professional can locate critical information (facts) about their future customer. Sales Coaching Tip: When you realize that the qualified prospect has needs that you can meet, begin to think of her or him as a future customer.

Additionally, surveys can be created either online that can be emailed to existing customers to see if your latest and greatest marketing idea has any merit. There any many ways to secure the necessary facts about your qualified prospects.

Small Business Sales Coaching Tip: Take the time to do your marketing research whether you are a retail small business or a professional sales person. Remember this old adage: "Fools rush in where Angels fear to tread."

Related Articles
  New Rules for Listening
  Just the Facts Ma’am, Just the Facts
  Evidence Defeats Misbelief
  MIND TRAP: Ignoring the Evidence
  How Sales Is More About Playing the Odds Than You Might Think

Home > Business-Coach > Leanne Hoagland-Smith > Increase Sales By Discovering the Facts Just the Facts
Article Tags: customer sales, david ogilvy, existing customers, fact finding, foot bottom, generals, graphic research, great marketing, greatest marketing, information facts, marketing idea, marketing strategy, new marketing, research advertising, sales coaching, sales professionals, sales skill, small business owner, small business owners, statistic

About the Author: Leanne Hoagland-Smith
RSS for Leanne's articles - Visit Leanne's website

Executive consultant, sales coach and speaker, Leanne Hoagland-Smith, partners with innovative and crazy busy leaders who want to dramatically improve their team results. What this looks like differs for each firm and why a free strategy session is offered just by calling 219.759.5601 CDT USA to have a conversation about the results you are seeking. If you prefer you can forward a request to coach@processspecialist.com

Her book, Be the Red Jacket is a no-nonsense and quick read to help discover potential gaps that may be keeping you from your goal to increase sales. The forward is by Evan Carmichael of EvanCarmichael.com

Remember if you think you cannot or you think you can either way you are right. (Henry Ford). Sales Coaching Tip:  Change your thoughts; improve your results.

Click here to visit Leanne's website
Dashed Line

More from Leanne Hoagland-Smith
Leadership Audit For Business
Business Building Check List
Leadership Assessment


Related Forum Posts
Re: Is getting a formal education worthwhile for entrepreneu Re: Is getting a formal education worthwhile for entrepreneu - Knowledge in whatever form is valuable. Its not just about usefulness in the business that you plan to start. The knowledge that you gain via an education system definitely is not enough for an entrepreneur because Facts that you will face in your role as an entrepreneur will be much different than what you have learnt. But having an education will definitely equip you with getting the leads in handling situations. So my suggestion is that you continue with your studies and gain as much knowledge you can. You are already aware that the learnings you make can be applied on the Website. Same also applies for all your other learnings. The only thing is you will have to wait for the time to apply what you have learnt.
Online Sales and Marketing vs Traditional Online Sales and Marketing vs Traditional - Hi Evan, I am noticing that many of the posts in the Sales/Marketing section deal with online marketing, SEM and and SEO and Affiliates. I was wondering if it might be a good idea to separate that section into two; 1) Online Sales and Marketing; 2) Traditional Sales and Marketing
Re: Online Sales and Marketing vs Traditional Re: Online Sales and Marketing vs Traditional - [quote="ltrahan":31w9r2iz]Hi Evan, I am noticing that many of the posts in the Sales/Marketing section deal with online marketing, SEM and and SEO and Affiliates. I was wondering if it might be a good idea to separate that section into two; 1) Online Sales and Marketing; 2) Traditional Sales and Marketing[/quote:31w9r2iz] I second the request...
2007 Goals 2007 Goals - My yearly goals for December 2007: 1. Add 10-15 new "ideal" clients to our client roster 2. Increase revenues by $500,000 3. Average at least 1 paid speaking engagement per month.
Young Entrepreneur Organization - All You Need To Know Young Entrepreneur Organization - All You Need To Know - The Young Entrepreneur Organization (YEO) is a global community of entrepreneurs. This non-profit organization aims to make its members successful in their business through networking and training programs. This article tells you all you need to know about the Young Entrepreneur Organization, and the opportunities it makes available to young entrepreneurs from across the world. Young Entrepreneur Organization: Facts. 1) The Young Entrepreneur Organization has 5,000 members in 35 countries across the world. 2) The organization was founded in 1987. Since then, it has helped many aspiring entrepreneurs with training facilities and getting in touch with the right people. 3) The average age of the members of Young Entrepreneur Organization is 34 years. 4) In order to be eligible for the membership of Young Entrepreneur Organization, you need to be under the age of 40; and be the founder or partner in a business that has annual sales of more than $1 million. World Entrepreneurs Organization: A part of the Young Entrepreneur Organization, the World Entrepreneur Organization and takes the message of Young Entrepreneur Organization to many additional places around the world. This organization is especially active in the area of education and training for entrepreneurs. Young Entrepreneur Organization: Objectives. 1) To foster entrepreneurship. 2) To support Young Entrepreneur Organization members by providing them the chance to network and grow. 3) To provide resources to its members so that they can benefit the economy through innovative business ideas. 4) According to Young Entrepreneur Organization, you get to share your story with those who have had similar experiences, and thus gain insight into the best principles of entrepreneurship. Young Entrepreneur Organization: Facilities. At the Young Entrepreneur Organization, you get to meet and share views with like-minded people and fellow entrepreneurs. In order to facilitate a free exchange of ideas and growth for its member, the Young Entrepreneur Organization provides the following facilities to members. 1) Forum: Join the forum of the Young Entrepreneur Organization and start networking with entrepreneurs from across the world. Each forum group has 12 members who come together regularly to share their experiences and discuss issues related to entrepreneurship. 2) Mentor: In conjunction with the World Presidents’ Organization, the Young Entrepreneur Organization guides and counsels young entrepreneurs through a mentor program by the best business leaders. 3) Social Innovation: The Social Innovators Program involves Young Entrepreneur Organization member who wish to do something for about social issues. It helps members become socially aware citizens and gives them the opportunity to do something for their community. 4) Marketplace: The marketplace allows members to post business offers and receive replies from other members. These are just some of the facilities you will get if you become part of the Young Entrepreneur Organization. Others, like meeting prospective clients through trade shows, and special tools to network and meet with the right people are also part of the YEO facilities.


Recommended Article for You close

  New Rules for Listening

Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.



Featured Article


Bottom Footer
Share for a Cause












Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!
Name:
Email:
Popular Articles

Purchasing Real Estate using the SBA 504 Loan

10 Steps to a Great Support Team

Five Daily Marketing Habits to Increase Sales

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.