Randy Clark's Blog, page 6

December 16, 2024

10-question Christmas Movie Trivia

Yes, Christmas movie trivia! It’s that time of year. And if you’re like me, a verified Christmas fanatic, you’ll score high on this 10-question quiz of Christmas movie trivia. So, do you know your holiday movies or what?

10-question Christmas Movie TriviaIn the Movie Home Alone, Macaulay Culkin plays the smart and caustic home protector. Hold old was he in the movie and how old is he now?

a. 10 and 44

b. 12 and 47

This actor originally committed to playing Willie, Billy Bob Thornton’s character, in the movie Bad Santa.

a. Bill Murray

b. Jim Carey

In what year did Charles Dickens publish A Christmas Carol?

a. 1913

b. 1847

Who composed the musical score for Scrooged, Bill Murray’s take on A Christmas Carol?

a. John Williams

b. Danny Elfman

The original Miracle on 34th Street from 1947 starred Maureen O’Hara, John Payne and featured a little-known child actress. Who was she?

a. Natalie Wood

b. Elizabeth Taylor

The 1946 movie, It’s a Wonderful Life, was directed by.

a. George Seaton

b. Frank Capri

How Many Bulbs did Clark Griswold put on his home in Christmas Vacation?

a. 35,215

b. 25,000

The movie The Christmas Story is set in the fictional town of Hohman Indiana. The Author, Jean Sheppard, based the story on his Indiana hometown. Which town was it?

a. Terre Haute, IN

b. Hammond, In

The role of Elf was originally offered to what actor?

a. Bill Murray

b. Jim Carrey

       10. Christmas with the Kranks is based on what John Grisham Novel?

a. The Year without Christmas

b. Skipping Christmas

Answers aabbabbbbb

So, how did you score? What are your favorite Christmas movies? Let me know in comments please. Merry Christmas!

Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash

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Published on December 16, 2024 22:59

December 11, 2024

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Movie Review

I love Barbara Robinsons book, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, published as a children’s book in 1972. Connie Willis introduced the book to me in her 1991 book Miracles and Other Christmas Stories. (If you’ve read Miracle, how is it not a movie?) “The Herdmans bully everyone and smoke and cuss, even the girls, and come only because they heard there were refreshments afterwards. And they transform what was a sedate and boring Christmas pageant into something extraordinary.”

It’s Near the Top of My List

It’s one of the books I read every Holiday season, and every year, I’m moved by this little book. I also watch the 1984 TV movie, a teleplay written by Barbara Robinson, starring Loretta Swit. Despite the grainy 1980s screen, it’s a wonderful 48-minute movie. Here it is on YouTube without commercials: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Review.

A couple of weeks ago, I was excited when I saw an ad for a new movie based on the book starring Judy Greer, whom I absolutely loved in Arrested Development. So, before my wife and I went to the theater to see the new movie, I read the book that morning and watched the teleplay. I was worried about being disappointed. I wasn’t.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Movie Review

I’m a stickler for movies following the book. For example, I read A Christmas Carol every year and critique movie versions when they go away from the book. Yes, I yell at the TV. So, although the movie goes a few places, I see no need for it to go, such as the praying scenes (that’s all I’ll say). Far and away, the movie does a great job of representing the book.

The beginning and many scenes are taken word for word from the book. The actors are wonderful, and Lauren Graham’s narration hits the mark. I must say that the ending scene, something not in the book, is not only appropriate but also, I’m certain Barbara Robinson would approve.

On Another Note

It’s been years since my wife and I have been to a movie theater, so we were not prepared for thirteen minutes of commercials and another ten minutes of previews. The worst part was that at times, the volume, especially on the commercials, was so loud it was painful. I tried to make earplugs out of a napkin. If I ever go again, I’ll bring plugs. On top of that, we spent nearly fifty dollars on one popcorn, two diet colas, and two tickets.

You Should Go

If, like me, you love Christmas movies, if you’re a Barbara Robinson fan, or if you just want to have a fun time at the theater, you should go see The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Be sure to take earplugs, though.

Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash

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Published on December 11, 2024 23:28

December 9, 2024

Top Ten Rules of Holiday Networking

You should know and follow these rules of holiday networking. Yes, the Holiday season is upon us. It’s a time when humanity is a little friendlier, the food and drinks are forthcoming, and people greet each other with love and hope in their hearts. And whether you consciously consider it or not, it’s a time when people network.  At any gathering of friends, acquaintances, and business associates, some level of networking involves grinding the gears. The question is, do you want to be prepared or leave it to chance?

Top Ten Rules of Holiday NetworkingGo caroling or at least get out of the House 

Don’t be a social pariah, attend events, go to parties, and enjoy yourself (not too much). Stand up to be counted when it counts.

Decorate the place…with guests 

Host a gathering. Invite friends to your home. Send out invitations to a holiday social at your place of business or entertain offsite. Salute the holidays with a celebration.

Send greetings 

Mail Holiday cards, send a festive email, or deliver a holiday gift to a cherished customer or vendor.

Don’t eat too many Christmas cookies

Overdoing food and especially drink is the anti-networking demon. Be careful. What to do when Networking moves to the bar.

Honor the season of giving

The holidays are a season of giving not taking so, in the spirit of the season, ask others how you might help them. Give, don’t take, and you may be paid back in kind.

Remember it’s a time of sharing

One of the best ways to share is to connect people. Introduce friends and associates who may be able to help each other.

Don’t be a department store Santa

After the age of five or six, most children suspect the man whose lap they’re sitting on isn’t Santa. Your customers can tell the difference too. Don’t send out greetings or make overtures as vaguely disguised marketing pieces.

Make it Christmas every day of the year

Follow up after the holidays. Networking Doesn’t End at the Event.

Give Thanks

Give thanks for blessings and show gratitude to those who shared the holiday with you. Don’t be lazy. Send a thank you card. You can buy a pack of twenty or so at a dollar store! 

And the number one answer is…drum roll, please…

Ring the Bell

Don’t be overly pushy but know what you want and need before attending an event. You never know who you may meet or when someone may ask how they could help you. Be prepared.

In the Spirit

You may not think of the holidays as a networking opportunity, but they are. And they will be as long as folks gather together. It doesn’t mean anyone should coldly market themselves or their product at a holiday party. The holidays don’t give you a license to be pushy and obnoxious. It means you should be prepared. Now go drink some punch—but not too much.

Are You a Good Networker?

I’d always considered myself an effective networker. I’m friendly, easy to talk to, and I’ve never met a stranger. However, none of that makes me a good networker – it makes me outgoing. I needed a plan to be an effective networker. That’s how my networking workbook, Help Networking started.

My plan probably won’t be your plan. That’s why throughout the book there are worksheets, checklists, and simple CTA’s. Use these to create a networking plan that fits your needs.

If you liked this post you might also enjoy, Should You Network at a Christmas Party?

Photo by Antenna on Unsplash

 

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Published on December 09, 2024 23:29

December 2, 2024

Happy Holidays to All of You

Happy Holidays to All of You. I am blessed with wonderful friends and customers from all over the world. Thank You. It seems it doesn’t matter where you live—people want to be better leaders. I’ve found something else to be true. There are good, fun, and friendly folks on every corner of this planet. For those of you who celebrate Christmas, I wish you a Merry Christmas, and for those of you who celebrate in other ways—Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays to All of YouArabic – I’d Miilad said oua sana saidaChinese – (Mandarin) Kung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen TanDutch – Vrolijk KerstfeestFilipino – Maligayang PaskoFinnish – Hyvaa jouluaFrench – Joyeux NoëlGerman – Fröhliche WeihnachtenGreek – Kala Christouyenna!Indonesian – Selamat Hari NatalIrish – Nollaig Shona DhuitItalian – Buon Natale!Japanese – Shinnen omedeto. Kurisumasu OmedetoKorean – Sung Tan Chuk HaPortuguese – Feliz Natal!Russian – Pozdravlyenie s Rozjdyestvom i s Novym Godom!Swedish – God JulSamoan: La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga FouSpanish – Feliz NavidadVietnamese – Chuc Mung Giang SinhWelsh – Nadolig Llawen

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone around the globe!

* Thanks to Hubpages for the translations.

An Early Gift  

If your organization would like a one-hour seminar on management, contact meIt’s my early Holiday gift to you, and whether you ever buy any of my books or work with me doesn’t matter. I genuinely love spreading the word.

So, does your business have a management training plan? If not, many organizations, large and small, use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook, a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. Check it out. It might help you stop putting off what you want to do.

Photo by Jamie Street on 

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Published on December 02, 2024 23:22

November 26, 2024

Stamp Out Hunger

Can we stamp out hunger? Is it possible? We can try. What’s the hungriest you’ve ever been? Have you ever gone days without food? Were you ever faced with the uncertainty of where your next meal would come from? Have you ever been desperate enough to eat food out of a trash bin? I haven’t. Can you imagine?

Are You Food Fortunate?

I had my time as a starving artist when I existed on three loaves of bread, two dozen eggs, and a jar of peanut butter week after week (I lost 20 pounds and can tell you more things to do with those three ingredients than you want to know). But I was never starving. I’ve been fortunate. Others aren’t so lucky.

Some will say that if people want to eat, they need to work. Before you jump on that bandwagon, consider the following:

It can be difficult to find food when you’re homeless. The average age of a homeless person in America is eleven years old. It’s hard to find a job when you’re eleven years of age. The Average Age of a Homeless Person In America Might Surprise You

Do the Math

“For a moderate budget for a family of four, you would spend $304.30 a week for groceries or $1,318.80 a month.” — US News — How Much Should I Spend on Groceries?

A member of the working poor making minimum wage grosses $290 per week at 40 hours. After taxes, that’s about $230 net. Even with two working adults, that’s only $460 weekly take-home. After buying food, $150 or so remains. The average two-bedroom apartment in Indianapolis rents for $1092 per month — Apartments.com. $1092 times 12 = $13,104 divided by 52 weeks = $252 per week. And what about clothing, school lunches, health care, daycare, personal hygiene products, utilities, laundry, and more?

One in Five Families

One in five families, with children, surveyed in Indianapolis, struggle to afford enough food to feed their young. And many, If not most, are hardworking Hoosiers trying their best. Just take one look at the previous paragraph—the numbers don’t add up. Something must give, and too often, what gives is food. Oh sure, people can live missing a meal here and there. But consider this: what would you give up if it were your kids? Would it be your children’s dinner?

Let’s Stamp out Hunger

As most of us prepare to sit down to a Thanksgiving feast with family and friends, many will have little to nothing to eat. If you’d like to help, here are a few resources.

Second Helpings Hunger Relief

Dalton’s Food Pantry

Second Helpings

Gleaners

Foodtank

If you’re not in Central Indiana, I’m sure plenty of resources in your area would appreciate your help. Be the change, and help stamp out hunger.

Image by Artur Skoniecki from Pixabay

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Published on November 26, 2024 07:16

November 18, 2024

What Is Thanksgiving?

So, what is Thanksgiving? Is it a time for family, friends, and football? Yes, it is. However, it can be a lot more than that. What does Thanksgiving mean to you?

Thanksgiving Can Be a Time to:To express gratitude for the people and things in your life. You can reflect on the kindness you’ve received and how you can respond to those blessings.To give back to those in need by donating food, clothing, or shelter.Spend time with family and friends and remember loved ones who are no longer with you.For all of us to learn about kindness and empathy from those around us.To reflect on all you have to be grateful for.It is a time for loved ones to come together and share a meal, embracing the bonds and connections among family and friends.To reflect on and express appreciation for the positive influences in our lives, embodying the spirit of thankfulness.The Tradition of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving traditionally celebrates the harvest of the past year. It’s celebrated in the United States, Canada, and other countries.  The modern holiday is largely based on the 1621 feast shared between the Wampanoag people and the English colonists, also known as the Pilgrims, in Plymouth, Massachusetts. However, there are examples of harvest festivals before 1621. The Wampanoag helped the Pilgrims survive their first winter and grow crops.

Thanksgiving has evolved over time and is now celebrated as a secular holiday in addition to its religious and cultural roots.

It’s a day to spend time with family and friends, eat good food, and watch football. The traditional Thanksgiving meal includes turkey, stuffing, potatoes, cranberries, and pumpkin pie.

Sarah Hale, a writer for Godey’s Ladies Book, played a key role in establishing Thanksgiving as a national holiday. She advocated for the holiday in her magazine and appealed to presidents, including Abraham Lincoln, who made it a national holiday in 1863.

So, What Does Thanksgiving Mean to You?

For me, it’s a time to reflect on the good in my life: my wife, my children, my grandchildren, and our cats. My wife and I donate to charities in each other’s names. Thanksgiving is when we share the organizations we each wish to support. For us, it puts things in perspective. It’s easy to get caught up in truly insignificant problems. Contemplating those in need helps put this in perspective.

I asked friends on Facebook what Thanksgivng meant to them. Here’s what a few had to say.Peaceful day and gratitude expressing.Pain, lots of pain.A day of mixed emotions between happy and sad.A time to reflect on all I have and be grateful for.I feel like I am in an almost perpetual state of gratitude and meditation. Thanksgiving means to me, taking time out of our busy schedules to spend quality time with our loved ones and family. I am truly grateful to have this opportunity when it presents itself.I feel about the same brother. These last few years are definitely different, not getting the whole family together to celebrate our blessings.We could start doing this again,,,,, let’s talk about it. I mean we have a full weekend after Thanksgiving to find time. Even if it’s just a smaller group. Feeling the need myself.A day of mixed emotions, the holidays are a rough time for me..lost my Dad on December 28th and my youngest daughter on November 30th..I try hard not to dwell on it though..just thankful to be alive,

I’d love to know what Thanksgiving means to you. Leave a comment or reach out to me on social media.

Photo by Simon Maage on Unsplash

Would you lke to explore the history of Thanksgivng Day further? Britannica Thanksgiving Day

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Published on November 18, 2024 23:25

November 11, 2024

7 Sales Stoppers and How to Avoid Them

Prospects aren’t the only ones who can be sales stoppers. There’s an old saying that a sale is made with every presentation; the product is sold, or the salesperson is sold that there is no sale. What’s closer to the truth is that what the salesperson does or doesn’t do has more to do with landing a contract than anything else.

7 Sales Stoppers That Can Stop You Before You StartNobody To Talk to

The customer never gives you a chance, doesn’t listen, or won’t set an appointment. Avoid this—you’ve got the wrong customer or the wrong person within the organization. Be sure you have a product that fits their needs, and if so, find someone who will listen. If no one wants to listen, move on.

Looking and Sounding Unconfident

A lack of confidence shows in voice inflection and body language. Inflection should almost always be lowered, which denotes confidence as opposed to rising, which sounds like a question even when it’s supposed to be a statement. The best body language is open and calm. Not sure what to do with your hands? If you’re sitting, fold them in a steeple; if you’re standing, leave them at your side until you speak. How to Talk with Customers Face-to-Face

Offering One Size Fits All

A one-size-fits-all product or service will not solve every prospect’s problems. Either design products to fit the needs of individual clients or offer the product only to those it can help.

Prejudging

While some pre-qualification may be merited, it should be based on fact, not conjecture. Don’t assume a client can’t afford your service. Don’t guess whether your product is a fit. Do your homework.

Talk, Talk, Talk

If all you’re doing is pitching and talking, talking and pitching, who’s going to listen? Would you? Worse yet, you learn nothing when you’re yapping away. Ask questions, and let your client tell you what they need.

Not Following Up

You gave a good presentation, and you have a product that solves the prospect’s problem. You know you can help, but they haven’t made up their minds. Don’t lose track of them. Keep them in your loop with occasional queries. How Many Sales Are Lost to Poor Follow-up?

Don’t Be a Sales Stopper

If you don’t want to be a sales stopper, do your homework, practice your skills, and get to know your customers. Find a prospect with a problem you can solve and confidently show them how you can help. Don’t over qualify. Fit your solution to their need. Listen to your customer, offer your best, and follow up. It’s not easy, but it works. What sales stoppers have derailed your sales efforts?

New Age Consulting

When I was younger, I used every sales trick in the book and even invented a few. I used these tactics to sell and taught others how to dupe a customer into buying the product I wanted to sell, which was only sometimes what the consumer needed. I’m not proud of my early years in sales. I was “that” Salesperson.

Eventually, I learned that helping customers rather than “selling” them built lasting relationships. It not only made good business sense, but it also felt good. It was the right thing to do. Are you ready to do the right thing? Do you want to learn how to be a compassionate sales consultant and increase sales while building your customer base? If so, read this book. How to Sell Without Becoming “that” Salesperson

If you like this post, you might also appreciate 5 Things Top Consultants Do.

Photo by John Matychuk on Unsplash

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Published on November 11, 2024 23:56

November 4, 2024

How to Add Value to Your Product

Here’s a story about how to add value to your product. I recall my wife shopping for a new camera. Although she hadn’t been shooting lately, she minored in photojournalism and worked in a camera store for several years. I surprised her by sharing research my friend, Josh Humble, had done on new cameras. She and I then visited Robert’s Camera in downtown Indianapolis. Before we arrived, she’d decided on a Nikon. My wife can be a research perfectionist, which can slow the process, but with Josh’s advice, she concluded the Nikon fit her needs. She was ready to make a buying decision, but was she?

Before we went to the store, she compared prices from Robert’s and an online retailer. The online retailer was 10% less for the same product. Upon arriving at the store, we were immediately greeted. My wife spent 45 minutes in Q&A with our knowledgeable and helpful photo professional. Near the end, I asked an honest yet uncomfortable question — an “elephant in the room” question: “Why should we purchase the camera here, when we could get it cheaper online?” I must hand it to our consultant; here’s what he had to say.

How to Add Value to Your Product

We build relationships — When you purchase from us, we’re here to help you. Because we are part of your team.

We offer more than just a receipt when the purchase is complete—this includes frequent free photography classes, advice, and ongoing education.

Robert’s knows the industry — The store is professionally operated by photography enthusiasts who know their business.

We’re someone you can trust. While waiting for my wife, I saw a video camera on sale. Another employee asked about my interest in the camera. After asking how I would use it, I was advised that it wasn’t what I needed and that they didn’t have a camera that fit my purposes. They even recommended a brand they didn’t carry.

We’re part of the community—not only are they part of our community, but they have been since 1957—and that means something.

These are lessons any business would do well to embrace. Many consumers aren’t looking for the lowest price but the best value, which includes service, follow-up, and trust. We bought the camera from Robert’s.

New Age Consulting

When I was younger, I used every sales trick in the book and even invented a few. I used these tactics to sell and taught others how to dupe a customer into buying the product I wanted to sell, which was only sometimes what the consumer needed. I’m not proud of my early years in sales. I was “that” Salesperson.

Eventually, I learned that helping customers rather than “selling” them built lasting relationships. It not only made good business sense, but it also felt good. It was the right thing to do. Are you ready to do the right thing? Do you want to learn how to be a compassionate sales consultant and increase sales while building your customer base? If so, read this book. How to Sell Without Becoming “that” Salesperson

If you like this post, you might also appreciate 5 Things Top Consultants Do.

Photo by Jonathan Talbert on Unsplash

 

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Published on November 04, 2024 23:16

October 29, 2024

Building a Team of Brand Advocates

Building a team of brand advocates can make a huge impact because in today’s marketplace, social media advocacy can be one of the best advertising tools in the marketing tool belt. Consumers trust what friends, family, and end users have to say about a product or service more than scripted advertising or public relations spin. Consumers want to know what real people think.

Building a Team of Brand AdvocatesCustomers Are Watching You

Potential customers are vetting you, and they find the good and bad. They read reviews and testimonials shared by other consumers, and this directly affects their purchasing decisions. One bad review can lose many sales. What employees have to say about an organization carries weight.

Therefore your team of employees can have a significant impact on social media marketing. The majority of your employees are on social networks daily. Americans are active on social media for more than 2 hours per day. What is the average time spent on social media each day? In that time, they can help your brand—or hurt your operation.

Social Media Policy  

So, building a team of brand advocates and training your team to be brand evangelists begins with a social media policy. If you don’t have one, it’s time. Stop Ignoring Your Social Media Policy. But it doesn’t end there. A policy gathering dust in a manual sitting in a desk drawer does little good. Your team needs advice, reminders, and examples. They need to be trained. To become advocates, your employees need to know what to do and what not to do. And if you believe one signed policy or one or two meetings will accomplish this, you may be in shock.

It’s About Training

I recently conducted a leadership training session about social media with our managers. I reviewed the business’s social media policy, and we shared examples of how employees can hurt or help a brand on social media.

Then, we asked the managers to take the message to their teams. We made it easy. To introduce the idea, we gave them a 10-minute meeting to conduct with their individual teams. Please feel free to copy and use this meeting.

Here’s the Meeting—Social Media and Your Team

Social Media includes Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, TikTok and more. It’s any network open to the public where comments and images may be shared.

Sharing comments and images of employees, customers, and work can be a great way to market our company or…it can get us in a jam. The bottom line is, we can only share what we’ve been given permission to share or what was shared by our customer.

Do

DO share from company networks and sites.

DO follow the company on social media.

DO submit ideas for blogs, news about customers, and interesting work-related stories.

DO share customer-created content.

DO be yourself, have fun, and share good news about the company—it helps us all.

Don’t

Don’t be disrespectful or mean to employees, customers, or vendors.

Don’t connect the company with political, religious, or controversial subjects.

Don’t be stupid, such as mentioning the company and then posting unsavory comments or images. For example, “Hey, I’m on vacation from [insert company name] and this is me at the nude beach!” Really, nobody wants to see.

Don’t let social media interfere with work.

What’s the Next Step?

At the end of the meeting, we informed our teammates that the marketing department would randomly hand out company-branded apparel and promotional products to teammates who shared our content on social media.

The “Social Media and our Team” meeting is a good follow-up to reviewing your social media policy. It opens the conversation, solicits questions, and identifies advocates. It can also help your organization avoid social media mistakes that lead to disaster. And it only takes one social media miscue to lose a client forever. If you’d like advice on conducting this meeting, let me know.

How Can I Help You?

I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me. 

So, does your business have a management training plan? Because if not, many organizations, large and small, use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook, a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. Check it out.

If you liked this read you may also appreciate Words to Avoid on Business Social Media

 

ate Words to Avoid on Business Social Media

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Published on October 29, 2024 00:59

October 22, 2024

How Many Sales Are Lost to Poor Follow up?

This is a true story about how a sale was lost to poor follow-up, twice. One October a few years ago, we had a new roof installed on the family home. The old roof was 18 years old, and after a summer storm, an insurance adjustor discovered hail damage. We began contacting contractors in June. Like I said, we had a new roof installed in October, late October. So, why did it take so long? That’s a good question.

How Many Sales Are Lost to Poor Follow up?

The first company we contacted passed the information on to an employee who specialized in insurance work. We didn’t hear from him for nearly two weeks. After talking with him, I discovered he had emailed me, but it went to junk mail. Two weeks later, he called. We never saw him. He emailed an estimate that was several squares short and inaccurate. He didn’t inspire confidence.

The second company we contacted was the same story. It took more than two weeks to set an appointment, and then they were a no-show, no-call. Can any company that fails to honor an appointment, or at least contact us, be trusted with installation or service?

The third time was the charm. Although insurance covered most of the work, we were responsible as well. The third estimate was the highest. It was more out of pocket for my wife and me. But we trusted them. They followed up and came through.

How to Successfully Follow Up with Prospects Learn how the prospect wants to communicate. Some people prefer phone calls, while others hate them. Some listen to messages; many detest messages. It’s up to the provider to learn the prospect’s communications preferences—email, text, phone, social media, face-to-face, or?Ask for input—Ask the customer what information they want. Learn their expectations. If they want to be contacted at every step along the way, make a note of it. If they prefer only being contacted at milestones, note that as well. Find out what follow-up they want from you.Set the stage—Once the prospects’ expectations have been determined, let them know what follow-up they can expect from you. Explain what, why, when, and how.Stay ahead of the prospect – In the best-case scenario, the prospect doesn’t need to contact you with questions because you’ve already supplied the information. Stay one step ahead of them by sharing the information they need and want when they need it.How Many Sales Have You Lost to Poor Follow Up?

Nobody is perfect. We all make mistakes and drop the ball. The key to follow-up is organization—developing a system. How soon should a prospect be followed up? Ask them. How should they be contacted? What’s their preference? By asking a few simple questions, listening to your prospects’ wants and needs, and then respecting them, you can limit lost sales due to poor follow-up. How do you follow up on leads?

New Age Consulting

When I was younger, I used every sales trick in the book and even invented a few. I used these tactics to sell and taught others how to dupe a customer into buying the product I wanted to sell, which was only sometimes what the consumer needed. I’m not proud of my early years in sales. I was “that” Salesperson.

Eventually, I learned that helping customers rather than “selling” them built lasting relationships. It not only made good business sense, but it also felt good. It was the right thing to do. Are you ready to do the right thing? Do you want to learn how to be a compassionate sales consultant and increase sales while building your customer base? If so, read this book. How to Sell Without Becoming “that” Salesperson

If you like this post, you might also appreciate 5 Things Top Consultants Do.

Photo by Cova Software on Unsplash

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Published on October 22, 2024 00:47