"Some people fold after making one timid request. They quit too soon. Keep asking until you find the answers. In sales there are usually four or five 'no's' before you get a 'yes'."
--- Jack Canfield
If we had more reporters reporting that the economy is on the upswing, your sales would improve. Psychologically, our creative juices begin flowing full-stream when we believe that we are going to be alright. If we hear good news, our shoulders relax and our energy becomes focused on ways for improving the business.
"I'm not sure I knew what an entrepreneur was when I was ten, but I knew that starting little businesses and trying to sell greeting cards or newspapers door-to-door or just vending machine kind of thing is...there's just something very intriguing to me about that."
--- Steve Case
Falling in love with the business again gets easier when we know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Well, consider this an official report that there is indeed a light on the horizon and that the economy is improving.
We will have more storms, gas prices will rise, and the stock market will fluctuate. But, your business will survive! Now that we have that out of the way, let's get to improving our sales through correct pricing.
"Selling your apartment in New York is like dating a manic-depressive...you get used to cycles of elation and despondency. Every time someone would come to see the apartment, there was the thrill of the date. You want to be presentable, so you clean the place up, make sure it smells good, put on some mood lighting and mellow music."
--- Anderson Cooper
You already know the basics of selling. Provide a good product or service at a fair price and tell people about it. First, however, you have to believe in your goods and services. You must convince yourself and your team that what you provide is the best and will make lives better for your customers.
"To understand KKR, I always like to say, don't congratulate us when we buy a company. Any fool can buy a company. Congratulate us when we sell it and when we've done something with it and created real value."
--- Henry Kravis
Re-visit your inventory and the services that you provide. Can you improve on them? Is there a way to market them so that more people know about them? Are you confident that what you provide offers solutions to your customer's problems?
"Business is not financial science, it's about trading.. buying and selling. It's about creating a product or service so good that people will pay for it."
--- Anita Roddick
Do not make the mistake of under-pricing (which is under-valuing) what it is that you sell. Years ago, a friend moved from Florida to California to set up shop as a consultant. Business was very slow for him. He was frustrated and just wanted to give up. He decided to give it only six more months, but he also decided to triple his consulting rate. Within one month he had more business than he could handle because of the perception of his worth.
Consider the value of your services and price them accordingly. Of course, it is good to know the market and what competitors are doing, but you don't always have to price lower than them. Price your offerings at their worth (based on customer worth) and stand by them. You may have to hit a few bumps with your pricing until you get it right, but never price out of fear. If you've done your homework, people will pay top dollar.
"Obstacles are necessary for success because in selling, as in all careers of importance, victory comes only after many struggles and countless defeats."
--- Og Mandino
Special Tools for Textured Surface Stadium Wraps
By Jennifer LeClaire
3M has developed special application tools and methods for use with its 8624 film. The 3M Textured Surface Applicator TSA-1 for large surfaces is critical for achieving proper adhesion. Find out what else is new.
Read the article...
The Power of Choice!
By John Boe
Your thoughts set the pace for you and your co-workers. What contagious attitude are you showing those around you, good or bad?
Read the article...
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In an auto repair shop (sent to us from Joe LiMuti, id Signsystems, Inc, Rochester, NY):
"While you wait for the man in charge, why not talk to the woman who knows
what's' going on"
At a music store in Tennessee:
"Out to lunch. Bach at 12:30. Offenbach sooner"
At an auto body shop somewhere near Tallahassee:
"May we have the next dents?"
We know those funny signs are out there. Take a moment and send them in to us and we'll share them with the world. Send all hysterical observations to: info@signindustry.com.
