There are a number of things you can do and when they are combined with a bit of focus, discipline and consistency they create the magic pill. But for most, what is required can be a little too much to swallow.
Business can be hard work and it is the discipline that is even harder. The discipline to do the things needed consistently is often the greatest challenge.
So what is the answer?
Let me summarise with a few of the more important basic disciplines:
- Know your product or service and the benefits it has to offer. If you assume people will buy things based on your reasons for wanting them, you may be sorely disappointed. Find out what your customers want from your product or service. Then make it easy for them to get it.
- Use leverage in your marketing. Know who your target market is and find other businesses that have the same market who don’t compete and approach them to set up a Joint Venture or a strategic alliance to make offers to their clients in a win-win scenario.
- Communicate to your past, present and future customers regularly with value added information and irresistible offers. I have seen businesses explode simply because they started sending offers to their past clients and their friends.
- Use a sales process. Use a sales process that is defined with flexible steps and an end in mind which is a sale. Buy a book on sales, hire a consultant to help. Whatever you do just do it.
- Train your staff. Train them in sales, communication, product knowledge and team work. Then train them at least once a month. Some of the most successful companies I have observed run trainings for their staff weekly or monthly.
There are at least another dozen things I can suggest you do however if you start with these you will be well on your way to discovering the rest.
