5 Tips to Top Sales

It’s the twenty first century, and times have changed. So should the public’s persona of salesmen. Don’t be frightened by recession and customer apathy. Being the best salesman you can be will allow you to enjoy the ever changing economy. How can you be the best?

First impressions are everything! We’ve heard this our entire life for a good reason. Your first meeting with a potential client can make or break your sale. How can you ensure a successful impression every time?

It is an old cliché so often missed in our modern society of jeans and t shirts, but in the sales world dressing for success cannot be stressed enough. Not only do people respect a person with a suit and tie (preferably classy ones!), but it makes us feel better as well. Endorphins released by our emotions impacts significantly our own persona. If we look successful, feel successful, we will be successful. Dress like a million bucks and you’ll make a million bucks!

Next we must work on our facial expressions. Practice a warm smile in the mirror. What is the definition of a warm smile? Friendly but not fake. Be natural but not overly personal.

Now it’s time for the ice breaker. This part of the equation is not only the hardest but also one of the most important.

Starting with a question triggers thought in your potential client. But avoid yes or no questions that often result in the end of a conversation. You’re fishing for a customer, use a line strong enough to pull them in not scare them away. Suggestions are “Are you more interested in this model or that model?” “Do you prefer these features or those features?” Comparing two items allows you to find out more about the interests and needs of your potential client.

You have them hooked, now its time to reel them in. Preparation and knowledge are impressive to all but friendliness and courtesy are the most important. Customers often assume that all salesmen are dishonest so make use of all opportunities to show your desire to be honest and upfront whether it is about special features, deals, or details of a sale.

Now you’re ready to close the sale. There are many philosophies as to how this should be done, but the keys are being confident and ready to sell your customer what they want. Too often we ask them to come back tomorrow when the paperwork is ready, or when the model arrives. Consumers usually know what they want when they come to us. We must be ready to fulfill their needs on their time table. It can’t be stressed enough to have the paperwork ready and be willing to close a sale instantly. Don’t be afraid to put the pen in their hand! At the same time we must balance this with not being pushy. The more experienced we become closing sales, the easier this will become and we find our own style.

Lastly, if you want to build your customer base, be sure to check back with your customer. Don’t be afraid of their concerns. A few minutes with previous clients can increase your future customer base significantly. Want a sure sale? Get a referral from a satisfied customer. So we can be a slick salesman without being greasy! Just remember to sell with class and you will always be successful.

For more sales tips visit my website at www.daniellakstins.com or email me at mail@daniellakstins.com. Daniel Lakstins McAllen, Texas U.S.A 

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Face the Future With Confidence

First off, find out what makes you a star. Gather a notebook and get to work! Make two columns. One column will be all of your best qualities. Don’t hold back, patronize yourself! You’re obviously smart; you’re reading a great article aren’t you? Yes, go ahead and include your eighth grade spelling bee win. This list isn’t just about qualities; it is also about your accomplishments. You may ask friends close to you what habits they appreciate about you and include these comments as well.

Please take a few moments to meditate on what you have written – these are all the reasons why you are a valuable employee.

Now, in the second column, honestly record some of the items you know that you could do better in. There is no shame in admitting these, we all have weaknesses. Some are worse than others. Admitting them is the first step toward fixing them.

At this point, meditate only on your column of good habits. This list is your personal cheerleader. When you feel that a task is too difficult to perform, feel free to pull out your list and reexamine why you are a valuable employee and a good person.

So you have a whole page of great qualities, but you still feel that you’re just not good at your job. What can make it better?

Fear is the unknown. Anytime we are in a situation that is uncommon, we are going to have a degree of fear. What is the best way to conquer such fear? Stare it straight in the eyes. How? The more we know about what to expect, the less fear we will have.

Research the goal or task troubling you. Find out how it can be accomplished, just as if you were preparing for battle. What qualities do those who have faced this task successfully had that you are lacking? Many times you will find that those less equipped than you have done a good job at the assignment in question. This fact will give you more confidence. Tackle your task with both guns blazing, and don’t look back.

With each accomplishment, take a moment to recognize what you have achieved. Even write them down in your notebook for future consideration.

We all have what it takes to be great, no matter what our background or lifestyle has been in the past. But in order to take advantage of our true abilities, we must let go of the culture of failure that is holding us back. Such culture can come from our upbringing, our co-workers, our friends, or simply through challenging circumstances that have faced us all.

Do not be content to follow the leader. Instead, use your mind to contemplate how and why rules work. Doing so will instill in you principles that you can carry with you through different jobs the rest of your life.

Finding your inner strength is the key to happiness and success. Now that you have your notebook of success, and a list of what you need keep working on, you can face the world with confidence that you are a proven winner!

For more motivational topics please visit the author’s website at www.daniellakstins.com.

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How to Love Your Employees!

We must do what the social system has not, equip them with the necessary skills to succeed. This means education. If your employee is willing to spend the time on higher education, why not pay for it. You argue that you can’t afford it. Can you afford stupid employees?

Still, if you are truly strapped for cash, why not teach your own supplementary education programs.

A great way to do this is also through motivational speakers. Many times there are speakers just starting out that are willing to do short hour seminars for very inexpensive in return for the hope of a good reference. Call your local speakers bureau or the chamber of commerce or do a quick search on the internet. At least one motivational session per month can do wonders for your employees.

No one likes a complainer. However, open communication is vital in managing employees successfully. Do you want to find out what everyone is saying behind your back? Don’t be afraid to take a survey with no names attached on your management skills. You may be shocked at the opinions, but instead of being upset, use them to improve your skills and address the pertinent issues on your employee’s minds, whether relevant to you or not.

Of course, we have all had that employee that just won’t show up on time, is always in everyone’s business, or is just downright lazy. You can dock their pay, write them up, warn them, or fire them. But there is a secret that is so much easier. Reward them. Yes, that’s right, reward them. Hire your employees at one dollar per hour cheaper than you are willing to pay. At the end of each week, line up all your employees. To those who were on time, didn’t complain, and accomplished their assigned tasks, hand $40. To those who did not, simply say you are sorry, state the reason why they are missing their reward and tell them they can try again the next week. You’ll be surprised at the performance results!

Finally, the best way to train and keep good employees is to be a good employee yourself. Just like children, our employees learn from our example, whether good or bad. Hold yourself to the same high standard and watch your productivity soar!

For more information please visit www.daniellakstins.com and look for the book "Thirty Careers Before Thirty - Finding Your Dream Job Faster Than I Did" at your local bookstore

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Should I Quit My Job?

Quitting a job is both a logical and emotion decision, neither side to be taken more lightly than the other. Sometimes in the heat of the moment can we say and do things that we later regret. To avoid regretting your decision to quit, make a pact with yourself that you will always sleep on the idea of quitting. The best advice on the subject is to give it time, and get a good nights rest.

The worst thing to do is to be John Wayne in this situation. Although looking great in the movies, getting drunk and telling off your boss is always later regretted.

Paramount to your decision is the next source of income you have in mind. Remember that it can take a week or more to get hired and get your first check with a new employer. What is your plan for that week? Don’t put yourself in a bad financial situation by making a hasty decision.

"But my boss really ticked me off", you argue, "he can’t get away with it!" Give him a night to also think about the days events. He may also have a change of heart and meet you with an apology the next day. Many a time a manager may have been willing to give a counter offer, but its never seen by the employee who has already gone.

If he doesn’t take it all back, don’t fret. For the sake of economics, you may have to put up with his attitude for a few more days but at least you will be able to pay your rent at the end of the month.

Sometimes we ponder leaving our employers for other reasons than just sharp emotional outbursts. These can be good. Early in my career I was a busboy for a cafeteria. I was offered a similar position for better pay and a restaurant closer to my house. There were no hard feelings with my present employer. It was simply an opportunity that fit my circumstances better.

My grandmother always told me that one should always stay at a job at least two years. Granted there is much to be learned by toughing out bad situations, and the resume can look better with less employers. However, in todays modern world, job change is so common that it is no longer a negative mark to jump around. Instead, take advantage of better circumstances and jump at the chance to move up the ladder.

Human psychology says that we often act the way we feel we are perceived by others. A bumbling oaf will never improve his reputation until he has new surroundings. Sometimes we get stuck in a rut and changing scenery is just what we need to stimulate the person we are inside.

To quit or not to quit - ultimately the decision is up to you. Weigh it with an open mind and remember the future is bright no matter what decisions you make!

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