Spring Training - Selling Tips for Non Profits

Copyright (c) 2008 Drew Stevens PhD

I know, the economy is down, clients are difficult to deal with and your Executive Director is asking What have you done for me lately? So what is a professional to do?

Rather than worry about what is going wrong, work on your strengths and eliminate those limitations. Great professionals are creative and innovative. Since now is the time to think about spring and most specifically Spring Training, it is a perfect time to do what the ball players do- go back to basics.

Three simple techniques that will improve your donor dollars include:

Running with Referrals

The greatest gift for any selling representative is a satisfied customer. To get you into the field of play, make a list of your 25 or 30 recent clients. Personally contact them. Make conversation and determine if you can assist in a professional or personal matter. Determine future needs and enact as a consultant, making recommendations.

Once you have established good rapport, ask this question, As I seek to grow my business, I am curious if you would not mind sharing the name of someone that might have a need for the value that I provide.Make certain you follow up. Do not believe people will just provide you names, follow up is essential.

Do not be surprised when you obtain a sizable list of new referrals from one simple question. Simply put, the best way to grow your business and remain in the field of play is to ask for referrals. Don't believe me, make some cold calls, then ask yourself which is easier?

Error Free Sales Presentations

Many professionals focus on facts that people do not want. They focus organizational size, benefactors and community work, etc- rather than focus on need, become a contrarian. Begin to ask questions that appeal to the donors need. Provide value by illustrating interests in their desire for philanthropy. Create a relationship that builds upon trust and interest to appeal to their needs.

Refrain from brochures and standard presentations. Truly listen to ensure success for present and all future sales.

Get in the field of play

Recent studies show that the difference between an Olympic athlete and a weekend warrior are not much. The difference between the two is simply a desire for excellence and an ability to believe in their creativity. And one other difference is the ability to practice and work each day in achieving excellence. To refrain from volatile sales dips, good sales agents must constantly be in the field of play, they must be visible. Athletic selling professionals take extra phone shifts; they network within peer groups and within rotaries and other associations for leads. Athletic agents write articles in local periodicals or teach classes at universities or community colleges. No matter what the athletic agent is one that rises like a phoenix and does the little extras for visibility, for their clients, and more importantly sales.

Remember Selling is a Process Recognize that selling is a process. Successful professionals understand that you need to know how to:

-Prospect

-Provide Interest

-Handle Objection

-How to close

Stay motivated I often use the word moxie to assist my clients to get through difficult situations. I believe that you must have moxie to get you through the trials and tribulations of sales. You will face challenges, you will encounter hurdles similar to your clients that aspire to reach theirs. Live like you desire your clients lives.

Sales success does not require home runs. However, consistently keeping your eyes on the ball, being in the field of play and catching errors are the ways to achieve success. Why not use some of these techniques during spring training to help focus your team and create your field of selling dreams. Whatever you do, please do not wait. Successful people do not procrastinate and you read this article to improve so begin now! Or call me and I will get you on the plan to success.