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<title>Latest Sales Articles</title>
<link>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/</link>
<description>Articles at BetterLifeAdvice</description>
<language>en-us</language>
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<title>10 Low-Cost Sales Boosters You Don't Want To Overlook</title>
<link>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/business-economy/sales/10-low-cost-sales-boosters-you-don-t-want-to-overlook.html</link>
<guid>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/business-economy/sales/10-low-cost-sales-boosters-you-don-t-want-to-overlook.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 26 Jan 2010 01:41:56 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ You don't have to spend a fortune to boost your sales!  Take a look at these 10 quick and easy ways to send your profits to the moon without digging into you advertising budget.

1.  Test and Evaluate
Have you ever wondered just how much of your advertising budget should go toward experimenting with the latest marketing strategies?  Marketing gurus say... spend 20 percent looking for new and improved marketing methods, while the remaining 80 percent uses the "tried and true" marketing strategies to keep the profits flowing.

2.  Capture Attention on your Website
Use headlines that leap out and grab the reader's attention to moment they open your Web page.  Hey, they're just like you... if their attention isn't caught immediately, they 're ready to surf on the more exciting things!

3.  Use the Best-Kept Marketing Secret - Postcards
Postcards are quick and easy to read, not to mention the fact that you can shave off a great deal of wasted advertising expenses by targeting your market.  Hey, they're cheap and convenient for you, and they get read more than other types of advertising materials... a winner all the way around!

4.  Let Customers Sell You
Some things sound better coming from someone else.  Yes, it's hard to brag your business up as effectively as a satisfied customer.  Testimonials are evidence that you deliver what you promise.  Paste them across ads, your Website, and any other sales copy you happen to distribute.

5.  Just Ask
Great salesmen take the time to listen to the questions the customer has, identify their wants and needs, then ask for the sale.  That's right, they're not afraid to just ask them to buy!  Sometimes customers just need that little bit of pressure to cement the deal.

6.  Raise the Value
Sometime value is only in they eyes of the beholder.  You can raise the perceived value of your products by pointing out benefits that consumers may have overlooked.  While you're at it, raise the price.  Yeah, we all know that more valuable items have higher price tags!  Don't be surprised if your profits skyrocket.

7.  Make it Easy to Decide
Have you ever had a hard time deciding what to buy?  Uh-huh, you don't always come to a conclusion immediately.  Every time a customer walks out of the store without making a decision, you take a big chance on losing the sale.  Keep the options to a minimum to maximize the sales numbers.

8.  Break it Down
Got a big ticket item?  Break the price into bite sizes for more appeal.  Yeah, 90 cents a day sounds much cheaper than $325!

9.  Create Bonuses
An unexpected bonus with a purchase makes it seem like you got a lot more for your money.  Keep customers smiling when they walk away from the cash register, and they'll keep coming back for more.

10.  Handle Customer Complaints With a Little TLC
Don't waste time getting to the bottom of the problem.  Customers want to feel they are being heard, or they wouldn't take the time to complain to you.  Are you afraid that you'll be losing profit, if you have to bend too far backwards to accommodate them?  Think of it this way... an unhappy customer you turn into a happy customer will become a loyal customer.  Yeah, it'll pay in the long run. ]]></description>
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<title>10 Tips to Increase Your Referral Ratio</title>
<link>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/business-economy/sales/10-tips-to-increase-your-referral-ratio.html</link>
<guid>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/business-economy/sales/10-tips-to-increase-your-referral-ratio.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 26 Jan 2010 01:33:56 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Tip # 1 
Discipline Yourself to a Routine of ‘Asking’

Here’s something profound. The reason most of us do not get referrals on a routine basis is because we do not ask for them on a routine basis. Well, it’s almost that simple. What would be the upside on your year-end W-2 if you asked for 2 referrals from each of your new customers? Let’s say you average 6 sales per month. That would be 12 referrals per month or 144 per year. Conservatively, you close half of those warm leads. Multiply 72 by your average revenue per sale. Then calculate your commission percentage off the total revenue sold. Now ask yourself if you can afford not to ask for referrals on a routine basis.

Tip # 2 
Develop a process to ‘Set the Stage’

Asking for a referral is one thing, but how many times do you actually get one? Execute a Powerful Routine after you sign up a new customer, and request permission for 3 additional minutes to get their professional feedback. Ask a series of questions soliciting their opinion on ways you can be more effective with your sales process, from initial contact to point of sale, with individuals in the same industry and parallel titles. You are now setting the stage for your future success. Over time, your contacts will give you a free ‘Masters Degree.’ Remember to ‘Pack your bags, but set the stage.’

Tip # 3 
Communicate to a "Win-Win" Agreement

Be honest and sincere in reference to the importance of referrals for running your business effectively. Tell your story. If you have a high referral ratio let them know that and why it is high. Customers respect a good businessperson more than a good salesperson. Try to pick a time when the contact would feel comfortable giving a referral to help your business. That may not be at the point of sale, but upon service implementation or some time in the future when you have proved you delivered what you promised. The important point is you must define with the contact when it can happen or what criteria need to be met for it to happen.

Tip # 4 
Follow through in order to receive a consistently high ratio of referrals.

You may not ask for a referral until (a) the service has been implemented and (b) the customer is satisfied. But as described in Tip #3, you want to minimally set a referral foundation at the point of sale and receive a commitment to when you’ll receive one. Now, this is very important. Always write in your day timer in front of the contact when the expectation is set, and let them know you are making note of it. Treat it like an appointment for your future success. It’s found business and will afford you a higher closing ratio, shorter sales cycle and most importantly, more referrals! So, follow-up and get it!

Tip # 5 
Develop a Referral Program

Be creative. Give up some money. Maybe it’s a gift certificate to a local restaurant (hopefully a customer) or a graduated percent off of their next invoice. An entrepreneurial mind will come up with a few flexible programs that fit your level of buyer. After all, you’re not putting anything out until the referral is sold. The old saying, "money makes money" is still true. Beside the tax right off (check with your accountant), contacts absolutely enjoy getting a little something. Measure the ROI and the benefit will be evident.

Tip # 6 
Become the Messenger

Be sure to give the referral gifts out promptly on sold referrals. Deliver it in person, since it also serves as an excellent time to prime the pump for additional referrals. Don’t underestimate the power of this simple discipline. I have experienced ‘millionaires’ who reopened their black books after receiving $20 dollar gift certificates. After all, it’s not the amount but the gesture. And because you are spending your valuable time being the messenger, you will without a doubt focus on receiving one or two more warm leads.

Tip # 7 
Promote a Grass Roots Chamber Program

Offer local Chambers a deal they can not refuse. Chambers want to offer their membership a better deal, one that their members can not receive from regular street pricing. They are open to donations to help their chamber and are also motivated to grow their membership. Instead of offering a residual based off of sales, offer to bring them in a certain number of new members each month. After all, a certain percentage of businesses you call on will not be members, and if you can show them a return on their investment, they will certainly join the Chamber to receive it. By helping others you will see your referral ratio reach the sky!

Tip # 8 
Identify Potential ‘Bird Dogs’

‘Bird dogs’ are used by hunters to point and fetch game birds for their owners. In sales, a ‘bird dog’ is someone who has multiple relationships with your potential customers and they are motivated to routinely feed you contacts for your marketing efforts. Research potential business people that may fit into this profile, and take them out to lunch. Explain your referral program and how it could supplement their core business revenue stream. For potential ‘Big Hitters’ be prepared to customize your referral program to align with their motivations. Treat them like gold and they will open up their Rolodex.

Tip # 9 
‘Get Married’ to a Collaboration Partner

There are companies that provide products or services in your ‘value chain’ but do not compete directly with your product or service. Those companies and the professional individuals that sell for them should be a point of concentration for you to identify and contact for strategies of collaboration. I refer to this relationship as "Natural Marriages." Contact 3 sales professionals that seem to indicate a ‘natural marriage’ for you and them. Outline what’s in it for them. Then ask them what you could reasonably expect over time.

Tip # 10 
Join or Start a Lead Group

You have to eat lunch, right? So why not join or consider developing a Lead Group of entrepreneurial individuals who are motivated to get together twice a month to share leads. Find individuals who are accountable to bringing in the minimum amount of leads each meeting as outlined in your group’s business rules. Make sure every member is covered by the 80-20 rule, getting 80% of their leads from 20% of the members. And don’t be shy about charging a quarterly membership fee. That way, members have some ‘skin’ in the game. ]]></description>
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<title>10 tips to maximizing sale of your home</title>
<link>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/business-economy/sales/10-tips-to-maximizing-sale-of-your-home.html</link>
<guid>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/business-economy/sales/10-tips-to-maximizing-sale-of-your-home.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 26 Jan 2010 01:25:56 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ If you are even thinking of  selling your house the priority would be to get a higher price. To achieve this you must not think like a seller but like a buyer. This will enable you to optimize conditions such that the value of the house increases substantially. The corner stone is that visibility adds value. However it must be done subtly so that it does raise the appraised value or property tax bill.

Here are a few tips:

1.	Pay attention to the exterior first. This is what potential buyers notice. Give priority to home improvements that are visible to the naked eye. Fixing the façade will get you a better price than ensuring the foundation is solid.

2.	Tidy up the yard and garden. If there are signs of neglect most buyers will not even step in. what one needs to do is create a presentation. Make sure there are no tires or wood lying around and any loose shutters or storm drains and gutters are properly fixed.

3.	   It helps to landscape. This does not mean you need to spend on redesign. Prune hedges, trees, and shrubs. Weed flower beds and paint old pots.

4.	Ensure that the roof is clean and sparkling. Have it power cleaned. Statistics reveal that 30% curb appeal is a sparkling roof.

5.	Have the interior repainted and the carpets and vinyl flooring replaced. Most buyers want to move in right away. Few would consider investing in a house where they need to get work done.

6.	Reduce clutter and spruce up the interiors.  Sparkling windows, clean curtains, attractive upholstery, bright cushions, flowers on tables and a few paintings or photographs placed strategically make a room a home. It gives the place warmth and invites a person to take a look. 

7.	Pay attention to odors. What may seem fragrant to you may be repulsive to others. Invite a friend in to inspect on your behalf. Many find pet odors, smell of urine, sprays, insecticide, herbs, deodorants, incense, spices, and so on repulsive. Often if curries are cooked or egg or bacon fried the smell tends to hang around the house. 

8.	Spruce up the kitchen and bathrooms with friendly plants, colorful towels and inexpensive fixtures or brick-a-back.

9.	Have the house cleaned from top to bottom. There should be no evidence of mold, mildew, or leaks. 

10.	Arrange the furniture and lamps to give a warm glow. If you have too much furniture or personal belongings of sentimental value have them stored. The closer the interiors come to being out of the glossies the faster the home will sell and that to for a good price.


Never overspend or make changes that are not in keeping with the neighborhood. If handled cleverly 80-90% of the costs of repair and sprucing up can be recovered. If emotions and sentiments cloud your judgment seek professional help, ask an interior designer or consultant to give you a few guidelines. The internet today is an invaluable source of information. Do some research which will clear your mind and give you direction. When in two minds seek the advice of the local real estate agent who has property values at the tips of his fingers and a licensed appraiser who would know what is best. ]]></description>
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<title>10 top tips to become the worst sales person in your company!</title>
<link>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/business-economy/sales/10-top-tips-to-become-the-worst-sales-person-in-your-company.html</link>
<guid>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/business-economy/sales/10-top-tips-to-become-the-worst-sales-person-in-your-company.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 26 Jan 2010 01:17:56 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Have you ever had sales people who just never seem to make it no matter how hard they try? These sales people are one of the main factors for decline in business. Your sales people are the heart of your company and without good ones you will find it difficult to succeed in selling your products. To train good sales people you sometimes need to take a different approach.

Here are 10 tips that will save you from becoming the worst sales person in the company:

1.	Not being punctual: being on time is very important to a customer. Take into consideration that many of your seasonal Christmas customers will be new. Your sales people will represent the first contact these customers have with your company. First impressions are lasting ones and your sales person need to make a good impression.  Being on time will give a good impression to the client and increase their confidence in your company.

2.	Poor presentation: some sales people just do not have all their ducks in a row and simply do not present the product well. A presentation is the first thing a customer will know about your product. If your product is not shown correctly to the customer he is very unlikely to buy.

3.	Bad attitude: rudeness and unprofessional behavior is not acceptable under any circumstances. It is quite surprising that you will meet some sales people who are just plain rude and short with you the consumer. This gives the potential buyer the wrong impression about your company. They do not get a proper picture of the product, as they will probably not even wait for the presentation to end. You will lose many sales like this.  

4.	Not being articulate: a sales person must know how to express himself with confidence and fluency. He needs to be able to greet the prospect and introduce himself with assurance. This will start the whole presentation off to a good start. When he actually presents the product he must be sure to do this in a confident manner. He should also be prepared to answer all questions concisely and well. If your sales person cannot do this, your sale will not go through. 

5.	Not listening to a customer: a sales person should not only be able to present your product but listen to the prospective buyer. There is nothing more irritating to the consumer than having a sales person go on about a product and not letting you ask a few simple questions. After all whose money is on the line here? Worse still is when you do finally get to ask your question and instead of giving you a straight answer they go off on a tangent and have clearly not been listening to you. This will make a customer angry and they will probably never do business with you.

6.	Basing a sale on cost: it is extremely risky for a sales person to depend on cost to close the sales. The prospective buyer will be quick to take advantage when he sees that the deal depends on the cost factor. He will drive the price as low as he can and you will take a heavy cut in profits for the sake of a sale. The buyer may hold off and then not even buy. 

7.	Not knowing when to close a sale: This is a common fault but a lethal one. Many sales have been lost because the sales person did not know when to close the sale. A good sales person is in tune with the prospective buyer and knows instinctively when to move to close the sale.

8.	Hard sell: Hard sell is when sales people try to push the sale on the prospective customer. This will make the buyer aggressive and he will try to get rid of your sales person as soon as possible. It is a proven fact that nobody likes to be sold to. 

9.	Inflexibility: a sales person should be aware of different personalities and various situations. They must be flexible and able to adapt to different circumstances. The presentation may be the same but the buyers are rarely the same. Each buyer wants to feel special and expects the sales person to understand his circumstances. Inflexibility will cost you many sales.  

10.	Not following up a hot prospect: Follow up is very important. It is actually plain good manners. You have spoken to a person who has expressed interest in your company’s product but may not have been able to make a decision yet. It is courteous and good for business to follow up with hem. You may even make a sale this way. If your sales person does not know how to do this you will end up losing valuable customers and sales. ]]></description>
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<item>
<title>11   Proven Ways to Skyrocket Sales</title>
<link>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/business-economy/sales/11-proven-ways-to-skyrocket-sales.html</link>
<guid>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/business-economy/sales/11-proven-ways-to-skyrocket-sales.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 26 Jan 2010 01:09:56 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ 1. Advertise Smart
Nothing risked nothing gained... Wise marketers understand the good sense in trying new advertising methods, but don't go out on a limb to experiment.  Are the advertising campaigns you've been using working, but not setting off the explosive response rates that you are looking for?  Try this... experiment with about 20 percent of your advertising budget, and let the remaining 80 percent continue to do its job of keeping a steady stream of customers coming in.  

2. Reduce and Multiply
Big isn't always better, sometimes quantity is more effective.  Try reducing the size of your current advertisements and run more.  Surprisingly, short ads often generate more response than long ads.  Yep, keep it short and sweet, and watch the results.

3. Liven up Your Ads
Take a look at your current advertisements.  Are they full of active, lively, colorfully stimulating phrases?  Yeah, get rid of all those boring words and replace them with phrases like...it's as easy as 1, 2, 3... hurry! Don't miss out...Save, save, save!...Act now!...  That's right, keep things hopping and full of action for effective advertising results.

4. Give 'em the Warm Fuzzies
People buy products for the feeling they get from the purchase.  How do you feel when you get a new car?  Yeah, excited, proud and anxious to show it off a little bit.  Keep in mind these feelings, and draw word pictures with your advertisements that will stimulate them.  Yeah, you'll be surprised at the results you'll get from encouraging and dramatizing the desires of your readers.

5. Send Them a Postcard
It only takes a minute to read the back of a postcard.  Most people are just like you - busy, busy, busy.  Regardless of how busy we are, all of us automatically read postcards that are short, clear and concise.  Send postcards with short ads to your target audience, and watch the flood of response sweep in.

6. Pay Your Customers to Advertise
Nothing is more effective than word-of-mouth advertising.  That's right!  Your customers can say it better than you could ever say it, so why not let them?  Yeah, implement a reward program for referrals and watch your sales climb.

7. Say Thank You 
It only takes a minute to put a thank you card in the mail to a customer, but the effects of your thoughtful act can create a loyalty that will last a lifetime.  Yep, we all like to be appreciated...your customers do too.

8. Sell to Your Current Customers
The idea that sales growth comes from new customers isn't always true.  Yeah, you can increase sales with the customers you already have!  Have you tried offering them a product that will complement the item they are buying?  What about follow ups?  It's a lot easier to sell more to your current customers than to get new customers through the door.  Don't overlook the potential that's in your store today!

9. Combine Items for Special Sales
Buying in bulk is ALWAYS cheaper...or is it?  Consumers tend to feel that buyer in larger quantities is saving them money.  Take advantage of that feeling.  Group a few products together and advertise a special sale.  Yeah, customers will feel pressured to shell out the dinero before the deal expires!

10. Surprise, Surprise!
Who doesn't like a pleasant surprise?  Yeah we all do, especially after we've made a purchase that our conscience is telling us we shouldn't have.  Do you want to get rid of those after purchase guilt trips for your customers?  Give them a surprise at the register!  They'll leave feeling like it was their lucky day, rather than struggling with the after-the-sale blues.

11. Count the Losses
When we look at sales, we often focus on what will be gained by the purchase.  What about the loss that results from failing to purchase?  Most of us are more affected by losses than by savings.  Let your customers know what they'll be losing by failing to take advantage of your offer.  

How many of these techniques are you using?  Try implementing some new strategies and watch for new results!  Yeah, nothing ventured... nothing gained.  Sometimes it pays to take another look at what we're doing, and take it up a notch.  Give these 11 tips a try, and watch your sales skyrocket! ]]></description>
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<title>12 Sales-Boosting Strategies</title>
<link>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/business-economy/sales/12-sales-boosting-strategies.html</link>
<guid>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/business-economy/sales/12-sales-boosting-strategies.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 26 Jan 2010 01:01:56 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The competition is fierce and ad budgets are tighter than ever.  If you’re looking to boost profits and gain market share, there are some things you can do to gain a bigger piece of the pie.  

Give your product a distinct personality.
OfficeMax’s Rubber-Band Guy is an instantly identifiable, highly memorable character that has boosted sales and brand recognition.  It personifies the brand while selling the message that whatever  customers need they can get at OfficeMax. 

Give them an interesting history lesson.
Some of the most common products we use today have the most interesting development histories. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, left historical records of a powder made from the bark and leaves of the willow tree to help heal headaches, pains and fevers. By 1829, scientists discovered that the salicin in willow plants was the key ingredient in aspirin, which was later repackaged and marketed by Bayer.  

Sing your product’s praises.
Create a memorable catchy song, poem or jingle that that hooks in people’s minds. Gillette sold millions of razor blades using “The Best a Man Can Get,” which continues to stick in consumers’ heads, leaving a positive impression about the product’s unbeatable performance.

Re-package your product for the customer.
Create new convenience packaging that makes your product easier to buy, use or refill. Motor oil used to be sold in cans that required a punch-in can opener or separate punch-through spout.  These were messy and troublesome to use.  Now oil is sold in twist-open, easy-pour plastic bottles.  

Let consumables take the lead.
Drop the price of your product, then promote and sell its consumables.  Computer printers can be bought for as little as $20, yet the ink cartridges sell for $29 apiece.  So don’t worry about making a big profit on devices, let your consumables take the lead. 

Use viral marketing.
Viral marketing is any word-of-mouth or “tell a friend” mechanism that induces users to re-convey a marketing message to other sites or users.  Leveraged by the power of the web and email, viral techniques can create exponential growth in your product’s visibility. 

Customize your product.
Try to give customers exactly what they want by creating apparently customized versions of your product.  Consider the success of Cycle 1, 2, 3, 4 Pet Foods, or Burger King’s “Have it Your Way.”

Go high tech.
Exploit the latest technological advancements in media to underscore your message.  For example, explore the use of audio chips in magazines, brochures or mailers.   The novelty of these devices gets people talking, and there’s that “V” word again (viral marketing). 

Promote product sharing.
This can be done by showing how your product brings friends and family together.  An emotional appeal like this can be very memorable.  A good example is Almond Joy’s, “you can share half and still have a whole.” Another is the ubiquitous Friends-and-Family discount, which abounds in everything from cell phones to vacation packages. 

Show your product being used by experts.
If possible, establish your product as the one used by recognized experts in the field. A case in point is Canon’s use of photojournalists to endorse its 35mm cameras. 

Make your product sui generis.
Establish the fact that your product is generically in a class by itself.  Consider Porsche’s use of the line “there is no substitute.” Or products that have become household words: “blow your nose with a Kleenex,” or “make me a Xerox copy.” 

Think outside the demographic box.
Attract a new category of customers by thinking outside the box.  Consider gaining younger or older buyers by expanding the utility and style of your product, e.g., cell phones for ‘tweens, or health bars for seniors. 

Alex Kecskes provides a full range of copywriting services. Visit www.akcreativeworks.com  for more information and samples. ]]></description>
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<item>
<title>3 Crucial Elements For Jumping Sales Numbers</title>
<link>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/business-economy/sales/3-crucial-elements-for-jumping-sales-numbers.html</link>
<guid>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/business-economy/sales/3-crucial-elements-for-jumping-sales-numbers.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:53:56 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Marketers from every niche have common ground when it comes to bills.  Yeah, every month there’s a new stack of bills demanding to be paid.  Will there be enough profit to slide right through bill paying time without a flinch?  Or do you find yourself fretting about whether you’ll even break even?  You don’t have to be victimized by envelopes and 8x10 sheets of paper.  Implement these 3 techniques to boost your sales.  

1.  Find More Customers
The first thing that comes to mind when we think of making more money is getting more customers through our doors.  In fact, the majority of advertising focuses on doing just that.  There are several things you can do to entice more customers to buy from you.

Implement Follow-Ups
Marketing gurus have discovered that follow ups can increase your customer conversion rates by as much as 50%.  Now, that’s a whopping improvement!  Don’t let potential customers fade away.   Keep the doors for future communication open, and watch the drastic growth in your profits.

Encourage Referrals
Every satisfied customer will tell 3 friends or family members about your business - without encouragement.  Imagine what would happen if you start rewarding their efforts.

Get Free Publicity
Nearly everyone keeps a sharp eye on the local news.  Hey, it’s funner to know what’s going on when you personally recognize the names and faces in print!  Find ways to make your business newsworthy and catch the attention of potential customers without even paying advertising fees.


2.  Sell More Per Customer
Think about it... how can you get every customer that walks through your doors to spend more money before walking back out the doors?  Here are 3 sure-fire, profit increasing tips:

Increase your prices.
Hey, that might not be as bad as you think.  Along with the price increase, focus on increasing the perceived value of your product.  Yeah, we all expect to pay a little more for high quality stuff.  Not everyone is bent on finding the absolute cheapest price in town... they may be more interested in lasting quality.

Add some higher end products or services to your business.
It’s never wise to put all of your eggs in one basket.  That’s why wise marketers diversify their products and services.  Think of it this way... higher priced products may not make as many sales, but each sale will bring in a much greater profit.  You don’t need to make as many sales to come out on the best end of the deal.

Upsell
Offer every customer an additional product that accents his current purchase at the register.  Hey, maybe they forgot they’d need batteries to go with the toy they're getting for their niece's birthday gift!  You can be a hero... a richer hero.

3.  Sell More Often
The fact that it’s easier to sell to the people who know and trust you is obvious.  Sometimes we get so focused on new customers that we miss the gold mine in our own back yard.  Take advantage of the hard work you’ve invested in winning the loyal customers you already have with these ideas:

Create a Special Deal 
Show your customers you appreciate them and understand their needs with a special offer catered just for them.  You’ll be thanking them, and selling more in the process.

Add New Products
Increase the number of products you already have available - especially products that your customers have asked for.  They’ll know that you’re looking out for them, and you’ll take their thanks to the bank.

Communicate
Resell yourself on a regular basis.  Don’t forget to let them know about upcoming specials that they’ll appreciate.  Most of all... keep selling them on the benefits of the products or services you offer. ]]></description>
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<title>3 Easy Ways To Crank Up The Sales Volume</title>
<link>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/business-economy/sales/3-easy-ways-to-crank-up-the-sales-volume.html</link>
<guid>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/business-economy/sales/3-easy-ways-to-crank-up-the-sales-volume.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:45:56 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ 1.  Supersize It!
Okay, okay... the real marketing term here us upsell it, but the word association takes me to McDonalds.  You've been there... you pull up to the window, place your order and they always say...  "Would you like to supersize that?"  

What bugs me is that I instinctively say, "Yes!"  After all, for a few cents more I'm getting nearly twice the amount of fries and beverage.  We won't discuss the fact that a person with normal size kidneys couldn't possible drink the supersized drink before it goes flat... and that if I were to eat all of the supersized fries I'd be perfect advertisment for an acne medicine company... but hey, I got a good deal!

When your customers have their wallet out and are reaching for their money, they are ripe for shelling out just a few more bucks to sweeten the deal.  In fact, about 50 percent will say yes without a second thought.  It's the perfect time to offer an upgrade or an extra warranty.

2.  After The Sale Offers.
Have you noticed that novel sequels seem to go like hotcakes?  Once the author has caught the audiences attention with the first book, they can't wait to get their hands on the follow up.

The same idea carries over with your customers.  A customer who is happy with the product and service you provided the first time, is much more open for a second experience.

The backend product you offer doesn't even have to be your own.  Affiliate marketers are rolling in proceeds on ebooks that cover material associated with their products.  It's an easy and painless process to market this way... the affiliate handles all the sales, while you collect the commission.

3.  Reward Referrals
Customer surveys that ask 3 basic questions:  What did you like best about the product?, How can we improve the value of the product?, and Who do you know that would benefit from the product?

In a nutshell, you are letting the customer know that his needs and opinions are important to you, and that you want to help someone else fulfill their needs too.  You'll gain valuable insight into customer satsifaction, provide material for valuable testimonials, and get tips on potential customers.

Upselling, backend selling and referral selling work together to increase the number of sales you net, without increasing advertizing budgets.  Try it... you'll be surprised at how easy it is to increase your marketing effectiveness within your current customer audience. ]]></description>
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<item>
<title>3 Hot Tips For Building Trust And Increasing Sales!</title>
<link>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/business-economy/sales/3-hot-tips-for-building-trust-and-increasing-sales.html</link>
<guid>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/business-economy/sales/3-hot-tips-for-building-trust-and-increasing-sales.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:37:56 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ How many times has it happened to you?  You walk through the doors of a place of busineess and here he comes - perfectly groomed with a smile planted across his face in greeting.  Within two minutes he has talked non-stop and promised you everything, including the stars if you purchase his project.  You lift and eyebrow, and think to yourself... "Yeah, right!"

The distrust between consumer and salesman is a longstanding feeling.  After all, you know they are wanting to make a buck off your purchase.  Sure, you don't mind them making a few dollars... everybody has to make a living... but heck, it would be nice if they were at least a little concerned about what your needs are too! 

Let's face it... customers aren't likely to buy from you unless they feel confident that you will deliver.  There are a few easy steps that you can take to give them the confidence they need to take the plunge.

1.  Let Previous Customers Make The Claim
The proof is in the pudding... No one can say that you deliver and make good on your promises like a satisfied customer.  It pays to use customer testimonials.  Now, we're not talking about blindly pasting testimonials everywhere... a little business sense and organization will be helpful in making the most of them.

Choose testimonials that are exact and talk about specific aspects of your business.  "Thank you so much for your hard work!" is wonderful, but "Thank you for spending 2 hours with me yesterday.  Your personal attention is greatly appreciated." says a lot more.  Yeah, the reader knows that you are willing to take whatever time it takes to help them through the purchasing process.  

Be sure to get your customer's permission to use their testimonial as part of your advertising campaign.  While you're at it, get as much personal information about them as you can.  Their occupation, city, etc., create a more realistic appeal to their testimony.

2.  Be Specific In Your Claims
Specific claims are more believable than vague, generic brags.  Order today!  It's Fast, Easy and Cheap! Sounds much better when you say... Order Today!  Take 2 Minutes to Fill Out Our 7 Step Order Form and Save 20% on Your Purchase!  

Specific numbers don't always come out even.  In fact, readers tend to believe numbers that have decimals are more accurate than whole numbers... even if the real number is exactly a whole number!

3.  Be Realistic
Don't alienate customers with claims that sound too good to be true.  Yeah, we all know the old saying that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.  Unrealistic claims steal your credibility and leave the customers with a raised eyebrow.

Think of it this way... what if you do understate the benefits?  When your customer finds out the truth, he'll just be that much more satisfied!  Marketers suggest that you under promise and over deliver to create the greatest customer satisfaction.

Customers who believe in you aren't afraid to buy from you.  That means higher sales numbers and greater profit. ]]></description>
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<item>
<title>3 Winning Sales Strategies You Can't Market Without!</title>
<link>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/business-economy/sales/3-winning-sales-strategies-you-can-t-market-without.html</link>
<guid>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/business-economy/sales/3-winning-sales-strategies-you-can-t-market-without.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:29:56 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ 1. Attention-Getting Ads Get Results
Think about it...how many advertisements do you hear every day...how about every hour?  Let's face it, we're bombarded with magazine ads, newspaper ads, TV ads, radio ads, and the Internet is plastered with ads on every site.  Not many of the astronomical number of advertisments stick with us, and make an impact.  How can you make your ad STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD?

"	Make a dramatic statement:  "Even my dog knows  ...."
"	Surprise them with the unexpected:  "Use for 30 days totally free..."
"	Ask a thought provoking question:  "Is your current insurance costing you hundreds of extra dollars every year?"
"	Use high impact headlines - it's important to snag their attention right away.

2. Get Personal
How many times have you been caught in the cycle of automated phone services? Yeh, you push 15 numbers and end up back at the main menu and never did talk to a sales rep.  People are hungry for personal interaction in the marketplace.  Look for ways to make your business a personal experience that your customers will appreciate.  Get to know something about the people who walk through your doors.  Let the people who visit your website know something about you.  Yeh, it's easier to trust an individual than a huge impersonal company...and trust is crucial to building a pool of loyal customers.

3. Paint a Picture
Ah, the end of a hectic week has finally arrived!  As I  lock the doors on a still cluttered office, my mind wanders to the many things that will demand my attention this weekend.  I long to just escape the demanding voices...escape to the waters of the lake across town.  It would be like heaven to plop myself across the back seat of a boat, and watch the sea gulls dip and dive as the waves rock me peacefull to sleep. Yep, I can almost hear the sound of their splashing when the clang of metal alerts me to the fact that I've dropped my keys.

Put your customers on the boat.  Yeah, painting word pictures that capture their emotions will be more effective that the raw facts of the benefit your product offers. Describe what the benefits will do for them, vividly and in great detail...get them panting for the end result.  Paint your way to a sale!

Think about it...the 3 tactics we've talked about deal with human emotions or behaviors, rather than your product itself.  Yeah, when we affect the inner part of the customer, our sales are likely to see great results... and hey, they'll feel good while they're  writing out the check!  What more could you ask for? ]]></description>
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