Money, Money, Money - we all need it. And for you and your business to survive, you need to sell your products or services for it.
This is not about greed, but every thing in life boils down to money. That McDonald's takeaway, costs money, your daughter's new braces cost money.
Business is about solving a need. Your customers need what you have to offer, but they also have a choice, because the guy around the corner has the same thing. You want them to choose you over the other guy, right?
Selling is not difficult, but most of us shy away from it. We want the business to come to us, we do not want to go looking for it. Sorry to burst your bubble, but (and maybe this sounds clinched,but...)what you put in, you get out.
So how to attract business and make the sale - ask for it.
On your Website, you need to tell customers how you solve their need and then you need to ask for the sale. There, I said it - ask for the sale. You do this buy adding something obvious that gets their attention, like a big red button that takes them to the sales page.
When a customer phones you and asks for information, don't just give it to them and expect them to make up their mind to buy from you. Again, ask for the sale, something like, "I can come and demonstrate the widget for you, would you prefer the red one or the blue one. When is good for you, I am free Monday afternoon or Wednesday morning."
You have done two things, you have teased them with a choice of widgets, so he starts to imagine them and their use and you got him to commit to a meeting but limiting his choice of time.
One thing to always remeber, be honest, sales is not about lies. If you are dishonest, it will bite you in the bum.
Back to he sale. When you go to meet your customer to demonstrate your widgets, prepare.
What are his objections going to be and how will you answer them. Dress appropriately, you can never be over dressed, but you can easily be under dressed. Arrive early, being late aside from being rude, screws up your customers schedule. Impress him and you should make the sale.
I have only touched the surface, there is a lot more to selling but if only take away one thing from this, it is - ASK FOR THE SALE.
A good place to find out more http://sales.about.com/
