Many entrepreneurs view the task of selling their ideas, products and services as an undesirable necessity. Some are fearful at the prospect of calling and visiting others in the hopes of growing their business. The Web is full of articles and stories documenting their disdain for selling. Sales is neither a job that they typically enjoy nor one for which they are particularly skilled and well-prepared for. What is to be done? Who is going to do the selling?
Entrepreneurs and small businesses often lack the budget needed for employing a sales professional. They often become the lone salesperson for their fledgling company. There are many skills to be learned, techniques to be mastered and sales closes to be remembered. It soon becomes readily apparent that sales is a tough requirement on unfamiliar ground. Many actually find it quite uncomfortable, perhaps formidable.
For entrepreneurs, superior selling skills can be broken down into three basic components which dictate the entire process:
1. Goals you set
2. Decisions you make
3. Actions you take
The establishment of goals is critical to the company's sales success. Prior to the business plan and subsequent marketing and sales plans, the entrepreneur must establish focused goals. These actually commence with dreams and ideas. He/She must have a clear and vivid mental picture of what they want to accomplish. They must want it above all else and be totally focused upon it's achievement. Their dream must constantly occupy their thoughts. Critical to the establishment of goals is the commitment to maintain written goals. Without the "writing down" component, goals are nothing more than impotent wishes.
Clear, concise decision-making is also critical to success in virtually any endeavor. There can be no meandering or fence-sitting when it comes to making decisions. While designing a precise timetable, prioritizing tasks and developing an expectant attitude will help to validate one's decisions, these will not replace actual decision-making. In the event that a prior decision ends up being incorrect, waste no time in correcting the matter, deciding upon a better course of action.
Goals and decisions require action to both empower and complete them. The entrepreneur is always moving, always contemplating, always adjusting. To remain static would invite failure. These three key sales components will keep your selling efforts in check. You can monitor your progress at any time by reviewing your path towards the completion of your goals. That path will be always be enabled by your decisions and actions.
Sales is a dynamic function; one requiring confidence, courage and tenacity. Successful selling may sometimes require some give-and-take, some negotiating. The result should be a win-win situation for both the entrepreneur and customer. That is a decision you must make.
The key to remember is, that in the end, selling is simply people dealing with people. Your goals, decisions and actions are your road map to sales success.
Related Articles
10 Activities Guaranteed to Prime the Sales Pump
By: Daniel Sitter | 08/01/2008 | Business
We must develop and invest the proper skills, materials and time in order to reach a wellspring of selling rewards. Here are 10 proven activities to accelerate your success. Try engaging in all of these between now and the end of this year. You will find yourself leaping into the opportunities that 2008 will surely offer.
Superior Selling Provides Entrepreneurial Success Formula
By: Daniel Sitter | 13/02/2008 | Business
Utilizing the same status-quo thinking and agenda that did not work for you in prior years will not work for you this new year either. You must change your approach and your methodology to discover remarkable sales success. What does sales success demand?
Cold Calling for New Sales
By: Daniel Sitter | 31/08/2007 | Business
In the world of sales, few tasks will turn the stomach of an entrepreneur as much as the thought of cold calling. It is often perceived as the the most difficult, most feared activity in their day. Cold calling can be an exciting adventure yielding great results and experiences or one that leads you to the medicine cabinet for some antacid tablets. It actually is your choice. Either way, it may make or break your business.
Fatal Sales Mistake Number 2: Stop Winging It!
By: Drew Laughlin | 22/09/2006 | Business
Fatal Mistake No. 2 is "Winging It." When presenting to a prospect, how many times have you not really known much about his business or not really known what you're going to say or what road you're going to take the prospect down? This is a huge error salespeople make far too often.
I know because I've been there.
How Do You Come Across In Sales?
By: Ray Turnbull | 24/06/2006 | Sales
It is very important when you are in any sales situation that you present yourself in a way that creates excitement, sincerity and believability.
Do You Have The Right Confidence To Make The Sale?
By: Ray Turnbull | 24/06/2006 | Sales
But be aware of the fools sense of confidence which plagues most salesmen, and that is the confidence which is based totally on bravado.
8 Habits of the Highly Successful Salespersons
By: Daniel Sitter | 09/12/2007 | Business
There are numerous skills and traits that help define successful salespeople. These traits are beneficial regardless of whether you sell tangible products, services or your ideas. Developing these skills will benefit every entrepreneur and business owner who must daily interact with others to transact business.
Got Goals? Get Smart!
By: Bill Zipp | 29/08/2007 | Business
I have set a lot of stupid goals in my life. Goals made in the rush of excitement with little thought to how they were going to get done or how they fit with the other priorities of my life. Goal setting, however, is still an important part of my life. But a certain kind of goal setting, SMART goal setting. Goals are SMART when they are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant to current business objectives, and Time bound.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for a hotel/motel help
By: jen walker | 10-07-2008
HelloI dont know if any one out there can help me or not, but i would like to know, i am trying to buy a hotel/motel start property but my credit score is 500 and no bank is willing to loan me the money to but a property, the size of the preproty that i am looking for is from 30 to 60 room with NO resturant. where i would like to have it is in AK,WA,ID.MT,ND,PA BUT If SOME ONE WOULD LIke me to be some where els thats fine. At this time i am a manager for a wearhouse with a B.S in hospitality and i would be glad if i can get my first starter property. yes i will do what i have to, get down to give you your money back. Please if you can help me let me know.
Does anyone happen to know how much does a market ..
By: anne gr | 09-07-2008
Does anyone happen to know how much does a market day sales account representative make?
Compensation or Trickery via Claims Inflation
By: Dee | 09-07-2008
Help.....I recently submitted a small claim to my homeowners insurance via a public adjustor at the reccommendation of a trusted friend....I recieved my payout amounts from the adjustor which incl. a 20% charrge to him,a 756.00 depreciation value for carpet replacement, and a 500.00 ded./ Does the ins. company award the tot. claim amt. minus the deductible or vice versa.....Basically when i questioned this, I informed the adjustor i felt as if I was paying my 500 ded. 2x's. Am I being paranoid or shafted.....What can I do.....Should I request the Exp. of Benefits for my claim from the ins. co...I need to know......The numbers do not add up....regardless of where they are strategically placed.....(Things that make you go hmmm).
Advertising Sales
By: homeintheusa | 09-07-2008
Does anyone have any experience with Southeast Publication, of Florida, either selling for or using the service they offer?
need to be informed
By: mrs. johns | 09-07-2008
If I retire from the postal service and I am working 4 hours a day, will I still recieve the other 4 hrs pay from dept.of labor? I have a occupational disease which is ganglion cyst. I have worked 4 hours a day for the past 17 years.
Robertsons Spices (Unilever)
By: Stance | 09-07-2008
I would like to know what the annual sales volume is for Robertsons Spices (part of the Unilever group) in South Africa?
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Business Articles
The Basics of Creating a Filing System That You Can Benefit From Starting Today
By: Tracey Lawton | 19/07/2008
In my brand-new article, I'm going to share with you 7 easy steps for getting your filing system in place. The summertime is generally a quieter time with a more slower pace of business, so use this time to get one of your core office systems in place.
The 9 Things You Will Want to Include in Your Email Newsletters
By: Katrina Sawa | 19/07/2008
You probably get numerous newsletters across your desk each month. How many of those do you really read? I am sure that you scan certain newsletters for valuable information, while you just toss others. Then, of course, there those like mine (chuckle), which you read every last word of.
How to Establish yourself as an Expert
By: Katrina Sawa | 18/07/2008
Establishing yourself as an Expert in your field is a great way to get added exposure, publicity and credibility for you and your business which will ultimately bring you more sales and more money!!
Women Owning the Workplace: Tips to Guide Female Entrepreneurs
By: Melissa Mashtonio | 18/07/2008
Women are taking the business world by storm, and it doesn't look like they're backing down. According the Womenentrepreneur.com, women-owned firms are the fastest growing in the country. Women are looking beyond the traditional roles and moving ahead to a new role: entrepreneur. This does not necessarily mean women are...
Getting Ahead in the Construction Industry
By: Duncan Freer | 18/07/2008
With new regeneration and Government housing targets, the construction industry is facing the toughest challenges yet. With new projects in commercial and residential developments, growing pressures for sustainable and low impact development and the need for low cost housing, better and faster results are being expected from everyone involved in...
Getting Ahead In The Rail Industry
By: Duncan Freer | 18/07/2008
The rail industry is a greener alternative for travel than any other method at the moment, and as a result is beginning to see an increase in investment and public interest. With the Government and business regulators placing such a huge emphasis on offsetting personal and private carbon emissions it...
Getting Ahead in the Utilities Industry
By: Duncan Freer | 18/07/2008
The Utilities industry is currently facing rapid change and is having to adapt to the many new demands made on it by existing and potential customers. Once dominated by state-run monopolies, the utilities sector of the twenty first century is shifting to respond to emerging competitors who are increasingly savvy...
Recessions Require Leadership From the Core!
By: Axel Meierhoefer | 18/07/2008
When things are going tough, leaders need to step up and deliver more than every. LEading fomr the core is what we need to succeed
More from Daniel Sitter
Selling Means Maintaining an Open Communications Channel
By: Daniel Sitter | 11/06/2008 | Business
None of us can be experts in everything. Customers appreciate being able to speak their language and having their audience understand it. In this manner, they feel confident that there is an open communication channel and their needs are clearly understood. What steps are you taking to ensure that you clearly understand your customer.
Are You Experiencing Sales Growth Despite the Economic Times?
By: Daniel Sitter | 22/05/2008 | Business
The volatility of the present economic climate has left many people, including salespeople, in a state of fear and uncertainty. We now have the highest number job losses in five years as business are trimming both people and operations. How do you sell in this environment?
How to Sell Successfully in a Recession
By: Daniel Sitter | 15/04/2008 | Business
Downward trends are indeed a stressful time posing numerous challenges, yet they do indeed present many opportunities. What is there to do when you are a salesperson needing to make a living in such a mess?
Sales and Life Baggage: 8 Step Strategy for Effective Dumping
By: Daniel Sitter | 28/03/2008 | Self Improvement
Baggage is fine for carrying-on short flights and overnight car trips, but nagging personal baggage can paralyze your sales efforts. What do you carry around with you that is constantly weighing you down, limiting your flexibility and holding you back? Most of us carry the burden of something; usually more that we should. Why do we and how does this behavior impact our selling?
Is Your Sales Plan Viable This Year?
By: Daniel Sitter | 17/03/2008 | Business
Seth proceeded to share a philosophy with them, one that I have been professing for a lifetime; that success follows the Pareto Principle in that 80% of your efforts must come from personal development and 20% from specific techniques. Godin fed his hungry and attentive audience a two-course meal, teaching that there are two things they needed to do immediately:
Viral Selling Through New Social Media Marketing
By: Daniel Sitter | 08/03/2008 | Business
Sales strategies are becoming more conversational as social media marketing unfolds. Perhaps the marketing mainstream is finally grasping what he direct marketers have known for some time; that selling is most effective when it is made to be personal and conversational. Is that how you are selling?
Your Ideas Sell
By: Daniel Sitter | 24/02/2008 | Business
Ideas need work. Whether your strategy for developing great ideas includes the development of mind-maps, the use of mastermind groups or simply dreaming, the creative process must prevail if you are to be successful in selling your ideas. Being intangible, your ideas come to fruition when they are painted and constructed in the mind's-eye of your customer. The successful sale of...
Superior Selling Provides Entrepreneurial Success Formula
By: Daniel Sitter | 13/02/2008 | Business
Utilizing the same status-quo thinking and agenda that did not work for you in prior years will not work for you this new year either. You must change your approach and your methodology to discover remarkable sales success. What does sales success demand?