Marketing in Tough Times: What to Do When People Cut Back on Buying

With the economy loosing slim, a lot of businesses have suffered a lot of loss. Every business is struggling to attract new customers and generate sales using the same marketing tactics to the same products and services.

People these days are more vigilant on their purchases, most cutting down on non-essentials and cutting costs on things they used to buy abundantly. Anywhere you look, people's purchasing habits are changing. A lot of people now don't buy the same items they used to buy, and worse, they cut down on the items they purchase. This is surely a hard hit to businesses. If this hasn't affected your business yet, it probably will sometime. Even if the economy recovers, it will take some time, even long after the shifts and changes have happened. These shifts will surely change people's purchasing habits and it is up to you as a business owner to make the necessary changes to adapt to the situation.

So, what can your possible do about the situation? First of all, in order to adapt smoothly, you need to be willing to accept change. You need to alter your business based on the need of your target market. If you don't do this, your competition will get your share of the market. You need to decide which changes you need to do. You need to look for ways to turn options to improve your business and your products or services for the better. Here are some strategies to get you started:

• Build strong relationships. It's important that you build good customer relationships. Keep in mind that people will not buy from you the first time. So you need to market to them repeatedly and create strong relationships with them. It's important that you motivate your prospects to come back or contact you again. One way you can do is to keep in touch by offering impressive offering such as free consultation or free items. This will encourage your prospects to try your offerings to get to know you better. This will also help you stay on top of your customer's mind until they are ready to purchase from you.

• Offer easy to use and understand marketing materials. It's important that you use the most applicable marketing tool for your business. This can range from business cards to post cards and catalogs. Even if you offer virtual tools, be sure to also add personal touches to your tools such as thank you cards and follow up calls.

• Offer several payment options. If you run an online printing company, you can provide several payment options in your site. This will encourage your prospects to buy from your store.

• Give your products a new packaging. You can give your products a new look by recreating its package. You can even bundle them with your other products and put them in a package with a catchy name. This will catch your prospect's attention.

• Give you prospects irresistible offerings such as special promos and discounts. You can print discount coupons at the back of your post card or business card templates which your prospects can use when they visit your store or when they decide to purchase from you. Be sure that when you are giving offers, include deadlines or limited time offers to encourage your prospects to act now.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martha_Killian

Business Gifts - Parker Pens

What better way to enhance your organisation's image than offering high quality promotional gifts to your clients? Even in this day and age of computers, a pen is simply a must for everyone.

By gifting a Parker pen to your clients, you make a distinct statement about your company and its standard of operation. Moreover, for many generations of college students, a Parker has been a valued gift on graduation.

The Parker 51 is regarded as one of the most successful pens ever produced, making it instantly recognisable, thus making it a design icon. The pen was named the Parker 51 to commemorate the 51st anniversary of the Parker Pen Company. Such a gift would no doubt be memorabilia to be cherished by the recipient.

The newest addition to the Parker collection is the Duofold Limited Edition, with images of the natural world imprinted on it. The design combines imagery of peace, purity and strength, depicting a giant panda and golden stems of bamboo. All 150 pens are hand-painted using a 17th Century lacquer technique. Gifting this pen to your most valued clients would certainly make a statement about your organisation in no uncertain manner.

The Parker 2008 Lucky 8 which is also part of the limited edition collection celebrates Parker's 120th anniversary of "a better pen being made". It is inspired by the famous Lucky Curve and 120 years of innovation. With only 3,888 pieces worldwide, it is presented in an octagonal black lacquered wooden box with high-gloss piano finish and includes a specially-designed bottle of Parker Quink ink, a commemorative booklet and certificate of authenticity.

The Sonnet is a recent addition to the Parker collection and will no doubt make an ideal corporate gift as well. The Parker Company considers this design as their most successful collection ever. It combines timeless contemporary style and comes in different pen sizes, and high quality finishes.

The Parker Urban, with its unconventional bullet shape, is a new generation pen that has been introduced to the market recently. The Vector is a no-frills, no-fuss pen with straightforward tubular construction, while the Parker I.M. engineered in high-quality metal is a modern retake of Parker's style.

All these Parker Pens are available in different quality finishes and a two-year international warranty, packed in an attractive gift box.

In addition, the Parker Jotter Ball Pen and Pencil Set would no doubt make a great promotional gift for any occasion. The ballpoint pen is of stainless steel with a refillable medium nib and blue ink along with the stylish, elegant automatic pencil making it a very useful and treasured possession.

The Pen Warehouse is one of Europe's leading manufacturers and suppliers of promotional pens, including Parker Pens. The company prints all promotional pens and pencils in-house and orders can be turned around, printed with your corporate details in twenty four hours.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Neil_Cleere

Picking Your Main Targets For Postcard Marketing

One of the most important parts of postcard marketing is the task of picking out your main targets for postcard mailing.

Not all the best postcard printing techniques in the world will squat for marketing if they are not delivered to the right people that respond in the right ways. Let me help you make the right decisions in picking those main targets so as not to waste your money it. Below are the five key characteristics that you will want to find for your mailing and demographic targets. You should see your main targets when you see all these properties collide in certain addresses and communities.

1. Targets, which will gain many benefits from our products - The first main targets that you should watch out for, are those people that will gain lots of benefits from the products or services you are promoting. Simply put, you should try to identify your main target markets that will precisely like and benefit from listening to your brochures. A simple example of this would be identifying the key businesspersons that would like to always buy your specific kind of gadget or tool. Not all businesspersons can become your main market of course, only a select few that have the affinity to using gadgets or special tools. So do some product discernment and determine precisely who will find many benefits from the things marketed.

2. Targets with the appropriate economic status - Of course, you should also target people with the right economic status that can respond easily to your marketing message. If you are marketing for luxurious and expensive products, then of course, the best targets are the people that are on the higher economic classes. If you are selling more standard and useful materials, then you can try aiming for the middle and lower classes. Determining this will shape a lot about the language and design of your custom postcards, so determine precisely what economic status target is best for your campaign.

3. Targets that are easy to send to - Of course, you should also narrow down your targets to only the ones that are easy to send to. If they do not have a proper home address or office address then it is hardly worth it to send color postcards to those people. Always try to go for the easy sending targets with their locations and addresses already on hand. This maximized your effort on the best and surest locations for deployment.

4. Targets with the right age range and ability - Demographically speaking, you should also check if your targets are at the right age and already have the ability to respond properly to those messages. Sometimes people think they are OK, only to discover later on that their targets might not always have the ability to respond to those prints. This is especially true for younger and older markets where you are uncertain who really has the power to respond.

5. Past history of positive response - Finally, always try to find and record the best target that has a history of positive responses. This data can be from past marketing campaigns, or maybe from actual market research from the local area. By identifying who is readily responsive in an area, you can send up the best copy their way for you to get responses that are more positive.

Great! Now, when all those criteria meld and intertwine in your choices, then it will be clear what your best pick for postcard marketing deployment is. This will be your path to better and more beneficial responses from your custom postcards.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kaye_Marks

Avoiding Pricey Marketing Mistakes

One of the hardest challenges of running a business comes in the promotional stage. Quite often, startup and small businesses get in trouble when in comes to carrying out their direct mail marketing campaign, which can include sales letters, catalogs, and postcards. They may have started the whole campaign easily, but along the way they experience setbacks and failures. These failures can be fatal for your business which can cost you a lot of time, money, and effort.

There are ways though you can do to avoid these marketing's costly mistake. Here are some of them:

• Create marketing pieces that don't simply look cute and pretty, but is loaded with excellent functionality. They have to give you the results you desire.

• Producing a good copy. This is perhaps the most significant element of your marketing material. As a copywriter, you have to know when to be smart or witty and funny or serious in your material. To do this, you need identify and understand your target market.

• Targeting your market efficiently. Do you really know who your target audience is? Do you know what their desires are? When was the last time you actually took the time to learn what motivates your prospects?

• Getting the best postage. Keep in mind that just because direct mail is easy to create doesn't mean that you sacrifice postage. Oftentimes, it makes more sense to spend a little more to get your materials arrive at your prospects on time and in pristine condition. After all, it is worthy to spend more if in the end you will make more.

• Make sure that your creativity hits the spot. In any direct mail campaign, whether it is catalog or postcard printing, creativity is mega important. Identify what stirs your creative juices and spend some time molding them to ensure you grab your prospects' attention.

• Take advantage of other marketing materials. Just because you are already making use of business cards or billboards don't mean that you miss out on the other marketing tools. It's important that you tie your direct marketing efforts with marketing tools. For instance, you can tie up your brochure campaign with email marketing.

• Follow up on customers. Just because you have sent already your post cards or catalogs, you can simply wait for customers to come to your door. Keep in mind that if you don't motivate your prospects to make an action, they will simply ignore your campaign. So, it's important that you make follow up calls to entice people to contact you.

• Use direct mail to drive traffic to your web site. Take advantage of your direct mail materials to drive people to your web site, Facebook page, blog, and other online materials. People who see your online account in your cards will be encouraged to check it out.

• Create cards that look professional. Don't simply create cards that look like your little brother made it. Keep in mind that your materials have to look as professional as possible in order for people to trust you. Remember that your name is in your materials, and if you want people to get a good perception of your business, then make sure your marketing materials look the part.

• Make sure your printer understand your business. This is important as your printer can offer you insight on issues that you don't understand and have not enough experience.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martha_Killian

Choosing the Best Online Advertising Agency - Tips

Many online advertising methods are cropping up with time. Many business owners are trying to look for different ways to promote their businesses online to increase their sales and to reach targeted traffic. Different ways of promoting a business online are available which marketers can use to promote their businesses. These include email marketing, affiliate marketing, and pay per click among others. With all these methods at your disposal the most crucial part of it is making the right choice for your advertising agency.

The advantages of advertising your business in the internet are enormous and any one who wants to use it to market a business must have all the necessary skills to allow him to do so.

For you to be in a position to choose the best online advertiser you must establish the kind of ads that will be used and how effective the ads will be for your business. Find out whether the ads will succeed in directing targeted traffic to your site or they will only succeed in directing forced people. If the method used succeeds in driving targeted traffic to your site then this is good for your business because you are likely to make more sales with targeted traffic as compared to search engine traffic.

You can get targeted traffic through targeted email marketing where you send an email and a message with the URL for your site to a few people who are targets for your business and this leads them to your site. You can also use pay per click where you pay for visitors directed to your site.

You can also use banner ads whereby the product you are advertising is only visible to targeted people. The charges here are for every impression. This type may not be effective for every type of business.

There are very many advertising agencies which will promise to take your business to new levels but they offer very little. Many of them come with promises of directing targeted traffic in your site but they end up delivering traffic that is not beneficial to your business. A lot of care needs to be exercised when it comes to choosing the best advertising agency who can deliver tangible results. You can look for a forum that deals with advertisements and ask participants on the agencies that will get your business targeted traffic. They can give you advice on an agency that will give your business a lot of traffic from their own experience.

You should also look at the time that the traffic that you are receiving is spending in your site. If they just land in your page and leave this is not targeted traffic and it will only increase your bounce rate. The most important thing is to look at every advertiser and establish what they are going to do to increase traffic in your site and to help your business grow. Do not just go for every agency that you come across even if the rates being offered are low without looking at the effectiveness of their advertising campaigns in terms of traffic increase and conversion rates.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Moume

Posters for Business and Other Industries

Ever since promotions and advertising has taken its place in the breeding grounds of marketing, it has become indispensable to promote a business. If you aim to get results and create a loyal base of profitable customers, then you need to promote extensively.

In promotions and advertising, one medium that plays a significant role in getting your business noticed in the market is the posters. These materials are one of the elements without which the business world will not be able to reach a wide market. For this reason, there are now agencies in the business world that can aid you design and make your own creative advertisement and convert it into posters.

Designing and printing posters is actually considered as the language of the generation and by using them, all of your business ideas and concepts can now be converted to a vinyl printed ad. All you need is to use a little of your creativity with promotions and experiment with all the images or graphics, combine them and you can achieve the material that you desire. Irrespective of what you want to promote whether it is an event, a product, or you simply want to create awareness about your business cause, these materials can be printed overnight for your convenience.

Huge sized posters are now available in single size. Usually utilized as a very strong promotional or marketing tool, a lot of these materials can be designed and printed as vinyl posters, event banners or even colored graphics vehicle decals, magnetic signboards, and more. Quality and heavy weight paper material is usually used in making them to ensure durability, and UV resistant materials are also used to protect them from peeling when exposed to heat. Inject coating can also be use to make them a lot stronger than the usual. You can always get large sized print materials in a single sheet for a more attractive and impressive look. Printing these marketing materials is flourishing in every dimension and now there are professionals or experts available in making any kind of images or graphics possible on the type or paper stock that you want to use.

Aside from business, poster printing is now prevalent in offices, colleges and virtually everywhere. These materials make a strong impact on people who some across them, especially when well organized, clearly written and creatively designed. Nowadays, a more direct approach is taken in printing them and drafting its copy. The images and the text both are usually set for witty clients and customers and they must form a combination that seems attractive to people who pass by. Otherwise, if the images or graphics on it are not able to get the impact that is needed, the whole process and especially the budget invested will just turn into waste. So you need to make sure that the ideas or concepts you want to project in your products and services should be designed in a lucid yet attractive manner.

And when it comes to printing them, you need not worry about anything as there are wide arrays of online printing companies that offer affordable and high quality printing services. The only thing you must keep in mind is to choose the best printing company that will perfectly suit your budget and printing requirements.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karen_Grahams

Practical Business Advertising Tips

Regardless of what type of business you are in or how big or meager your firm is, you need advertisement to attract customers, to gain sales and to promote your products and services. Without advertisement, there is no way for probable consumers to know that your company exists.

It is a type of promotion that has huge impact on how customers react and how they receive your product or services. With good advertisement and marketing, it help you grow your business, generate public enthusiasm and create product interest. The more effective it is, the more customers it draws in and the greater profit it is for the company.

Because of the benefits it offer to firms, they spent huge amounts of money on marketing and advertising, thus, giving companies the needed boost for their products and results in great profits for the firm.

Significance of Advertisement to Companies:

* Good image - if you have a good advertisement package, you can build good image to your customer.
* Build familiarity - with advertisement, consumers become familiar with the product or services that you are offering.
* Offers good returns - once you attracted and gained the patronage and loyalty of customers, sales and profits follow.

Avenues on where to publish your advertisement:

* Magazine
* Newspaper
* Radio
* Television
* Posters
* Banners
* Leaflets
* Online marketing
* Social networking sites

Before you outline your advertising campaign, you need to consider your target market, how you want your prospective clients to react to your product or service. You must also consider which type of media your prospective customers use often, how you expect them to react to your advertisement and which type of media are practical to you.

Another important factor to consider is how persuasive and creative your advertisement to attract prospective customers' attention. To catch clients' attention, you need to try using images, logos and ethos.

Things to consider to achieve a successful advertising:

* Right customers - to determine your target audience, you can use demographics from the Census Bureau to have an estimate as to the age bracket or income group that you intend to target. You cannot target all audience at the same time because of the different preferences of consumers.
* Distinct and effective advertisement - make sure to have an effective and catchy advertisement to catch consumers attention. You can use songs, compelling story or bold headline to attract your prospective clients' attention.
* Track your advertisement - monitor the progress of your advertisement. You can ask customers on their views about the advert. Their perspectives and remarks gauge how effective your advertisements are.
* To advertise consistently - if you want customers to learn and to become familiar with your company and the products and services that you sell, you must advertise consistently. You can track your performance through your sales and return of investment.

After you have successfully attracted new clients, it is also important to consider how you can retain them and how you can establish loyalty with them. Ways of establishing loyalty is by offering affordable prices, quality products and good customer service.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mabel_Miles

Printing Booklets or Business Cards

There are reasons why business people still rely on the standard or regular way of promotion such as printed materials. In this fast pacing world where technology plays an important part, most people would turn to any kinds of digital method, including promoting and introducing new business, products, or service. But printed materials are also still used, such as newsletters, banners, posters, or booklet-business cards. Why do they still exist?

Well, first of all, all not companies have the needed funds to promote their products or business. Some of them are quite new and have just started off their business. Sure digital advertisement and promotions are great ways to sell the products over vast area easily and instantly, but it also requires a lot of money as well. New business usually doesn't have extra fund to support any digital format. That's why they often depend on regular and standard use of printed material which usually comes in low cost.

Second, some businesses only want to focus on local or smaller areas. They don't want to expand it on national or international scale just yet. That's why they only spread the business around the neighborhood or their local town, at most.

Third, some well maintained business which have already been famous or well known only need to give out message that they're still around and they have upgraded their service. When they need to inform that to their customers, they only need printed materials.

Of course, business cards are essential for business people. It's one of the best ways where they can spread around their specialties and their business. It's also one of the easiest ways to promote. Whenever they go to an event and meet new people, they could jut give out the cards just in case their new acquaintance will need the products or service one day. That's why this printing service is always needed despite all kind of technological advancement in digital industry.

When making a booklet, business people would inform the customer about what kind of products they have. But sometimes booklets come with too many information that customers are bored to read it all. In the end, it won't be effective at all. That's why it's always good to focus on special kinds of products which are the specialty and expertise of the business. Business people should give detailed and comprehensive information in short and informative language. If they have other business, they can put it in the booklet as additional information. If customers turn out need that kind of service, they would be curious and ask for more information through phone or mail.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_B_Eghbali

Full Color Decals

When it comes to the print stickers, they are really unique, imposing, cost effective, dynamic and self motivated decals for your businesses. That is why they could definitely enhance your business image and identity in the most efficient and prestigious manner. Generally these types of adhesive signs can be artfully created and designed by utilizing the best graphic design tools and techniques from coral draw to dream weaver and from adobe illustrator to Photoshop. As far as the shapes of custom tags are concerned, they are really matchless and versatile symbols for your businesses.

One of the most incredible things is that print sticker does have impeccable glossy shapes and surfaces in order to instantly catch your eyes for long time. Sizes wise, there should be no denying that they can be available in many unique styles such as round, oval and customized decals. When it comes to the benefits, they can be definitely used for many reasons and purposes such as products marketing, sales, fundraising and advertisements. Currently many businesses, shopping malls and mobile phone companies are making full use of it.

There are many types of decals but nothing can be a great option for you than paying money for vinyl stickers. They are very unique and imposing kinds of tags for your businesses. One of the most staggering aspects about it is that it can be used for increased business identity development purpose. When it comes to the designs, they hold very emphatic and versatile designs for your businesses. As far as the look of it is concerned, it is very unique and matchless beyond your mind's eye. Generally vinyl sticker can be produced by making use of full color scheme along with the usage of full color scheme.

As far as the custom carbon copy invoices are concerned, they are really simple and creative types of copies for the corporate industry. Usually they can be used for order purchasing purpose. They hold very specific and imposing kinds of designs for your businesses. One of the most breathtaking aspects about the business invoice printing is that it would make your organizational receipts increasingly simpler and trouble free. They hold very matchless designs and prints beyond your imaginations.

Nowadays many online printing companies are offering cheap stickers printing services to its valued customers worldwide. Bear in mind that they are making available various kinds of decal printing solutions to their valued customers globally such as bumper, rectangular, custom and static clings. In addition to the printed sticker, you could use many other types of products for your longer business image and identity such as pocket folders, door hangers and many others.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bryan_Fuller

Want To Make Your Prospecting Calls Rejection Free You Need To Use This Call Script

If you are new to network marketing or even if you are an experienced network marketer who isn't having the success you would like to be having. I will show you a way to make your phone calls rejection free.

Many network marketers will practice a sales pitch that they use in every call. This is not the way to peak people's interest. Yes, you need to practice, but you do not want to try and "sell" your opportunity to your prospects. Instead, turn your call into an interview. No I'm not crazy. Think about it. You are going to spend your time and money training this person, shouldn't you make sure that they are a good fit for your team.

Here are a few good opening questions to ask your prospects:

Q: "[Bob], What is it that has driven you to this place, where you wanted to look for a business like this?"

Now, listen to their reply carefully. The answer will tell you a lot about this person, if you just listen.

Q: "Why is it you are looking for a business, at this time in your life?"

When you use, "at this time in your life," it causes them to get personal with you and it creates good rapport between you. You need to care about what drives this person, so listen carefully to what they have to say.

Here are some qualifying questions you need to ask:

Q: Are you content with where you are right now? Or Do you want something more out of life?

You will want to pay close attention to their answer to this question. In Network Marketing, we are looking for the 3%'ers. What is a 3%'er you ask? Well 3%'ers are those people who are driven and motivated to succeed. The go-getters, these are the people who will do what it takes to become successful. You see, 97% of people in this world are not the go-getters. The other 3% are. They want something more out of life and are driven and willing to work for what they want to achieve. These are the people you want on your team.

If you think your prospect is a 3%'er, you can continue the conversation, if they are not. Politely end the call.

Here's your next qualifying question:

Q: "What kind of income are you looking to generate in a business of your own?"

You are looking for big thinkers, people with high goals. So if they say, "I would like to make an extra $10,000/month."

Your follow-up question would be:

Q: Ok, [Bob], Can you see yourself making that much money?

If they can't see themselves doing it, well it probably will never happen for them. Their answers will tell you a lot about that person. The best thing you can do is to listen carefully to the answers. People's answers will help you to decide if they are a good fit for your team.

Now, if they can see themselves making that kind of money, continue with the interview.
This next question will surprise the prospect and you will get very honest answers from people when they are unprepared for the question.

Q: Alright, [Bob], Other than money, What are you looking for out of a business like this?

Most people have probably never been asked this question before. In fact, you will most likely get this answer from them, "I have never been asked that question before." This will help you to create a more personal relationship with this person. Sometimes they will even ask, "What do you mean?"

You can answer with this question:

Q: "Well money is just dirty paper, What is the extra money going to do for you?"

Or

Q: "Beyond the money, What is it you are looking for?"

People's answers will vary for this question, but it gets them thinking about how extra money could change their lives. And really that is the goal of Network Marketers, to change as many lives as we can, for the better of course and to make our lives better while doing this.

These questions will help you to uncover the reason why, they are looking into a home business.
If you use this call script and start asking questions, the right way. You will see a dramatic improvement in the quality and quantity of your team. If you would like to read a more in-depth article on this subject, then keep reading.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_Belanger

The Role of Technology For Successful Telemarketing

For business organizations in Singapore, B2B lead generation is an all-important aspect to keep their businesses alive and attain growth. It is the force that drives them to improve their strategies and come up with better ideas to attract new prospects. However, there are just some Singaporean firms that could not properly do lead generation while actively focusing on other equally significant functions such as product or service development, client relations, customer service, etc. Failure in B2B lead generation can compromise the entire business operation.

This is one of the many reasons why more and more companies in Singapore have sought help from telemarketing service providers. Over the recent years, many Singaporean firms have developed the enthusiasm to outsource their lead generation services to offshore providers. They have concluded, after thorough discussions and brainstorming, that outsourcing produces results far better than what they could have done on their own.

However, BPOs come in large population these days, making it challenging for firms in Singapore to decide which outsourcer is best for them. Some firms claim that they offer very low rates while others boast the names of business giants that they have served. But, which is which? How can a Singaporean business pick the right one?

In choosing a partner, there is a need for an in-depth evaluation. One of the areas where assessment should be focused on is the technology being used by a call center. This, however, depends on many factors, like the size and purpose of the outsourcer, the location and the supported channels (emails, fax machines etc,). For the record, a plethora of technology, applications and tools are needed to operate a call center effectively. Enumerated below are some of the much-needed technologies.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) application. This is the most efficient tool for creating and maintaining healthy relationships with sales leads and clients. It creates a bond between the telemarketers, the prospects and the clients. For the sales leads, CRM is useful in gathering relevant information which is used to address the concerns of the sales leads. On the other hand, CRM helps clients in Singapore to know the current progress of the program, hear call recordings made by the agents, learn updates, track reports, and communicate with the people who handle the program.

Campaign management system. CMS is a must-have for all outbound call centers. This is so because this application lets the telemarketers know whom to contact, or to supply with a list of telephone numbers or email contacts. An advance CMS permits callers to record how each sales prospect has replied to a given campaign.

Call recording systems. All contact centers are obligated to possess call recording systems. This set of recording devices captures calls made to sales prospect which allows Singaporean clients to assess agents' performance. A more sophisticated call recording system does not only capture calls but also related screens utilized to serve the sales lead. The most advanced type, on the other hand, records all types of interactions, aside from phone calls.

Workforce management system. As the name suggests, this application forecasts the volume of calls and other kinds of interaction in a given day. This helps team leaders and telemarketing firm's managers to schedule the number of agents to hire new employees in order to meet projected output, considering other factors such as training classes, agent breaks, vacations, etc.

Computer-telephony integration. This is a system that allows interactions on a computer and telephone to be integrated. It has even expanded to the integration of all channels like email, fax, web and voice with computer systems.

Successful telemarketing can only be achieved when every element is functioning well. When companies in Singapore have made it clear to outsource their lead generation services through telemarketing, it ought to check carefully the competencies of a chosen service provider. This, then, calls for a meticulous yet fair evaluation of an outsourcer's acquired technology.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maegan_Anderson

What Does a Telesales Job Involve?

Telesales has become more and more popular as of late mainly due to the flexibility of jobs like these. However, many people are still unclear as to what a telesales job actually involves. To put it simply, a telesales job would require you to call potential customers and try to persuade them to purchase the product or service that you are trying to sell. There are only certain types of people who would be able to do this type of job as there are specific skills that you have to have in order to be successful.

A telesales job is usually based in a room with many other employees where you will have your own phone and desk. Although this is the most common type of telesales job, there are some which will allow you to work from the comfort of your own home. You will have access to a database of potential customers who you will call directly and try to convince them why they need to purchase whatever it is that you have to offer. This type of work is usually commission based, so it is important that you get a lot of sales.

As mentioned above, there are several skills that you need to have. Firstly, you need to have the confidence to telephone complete strangers and persuade them to buy from you. Some of the customers are going to be less than happy to receive calls like this, so you need to be prepared for people who may be agitated by the fact that you have called them. You also need to remember that persuasion is the key, because you need to ensure that you persuade the client to purchase from you, as this is the only way that you are going to get the money that you need.

When looking for a job in telesales it is usually a good idea to try and find a company that offers a product or a service that you are passionate about. You will find it much easier to sell a product that you love. Trying to sell a product that you don't personally believe in can often be very difficult, which again, means less money for you in the long run because you are going to find it harder to get commissioned sales.

Telesales jobs are only suitable for those who wouldn't mind working in an office type environment. If you like to be on the move constantly then a job like this is definitely not for you because you are likely to be in the same position for the majority of the day. Again, this isn't a good job for those who don't like communicating with other people because communication is key. If you don't have good communication skills then you are not going to be able to sell the products that you have to, meaning that you will not be earning a lot of money. If you like communicating with people then a job in telesales could be perfect for you.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vincent_Rogers

Appointment Setting Services Are Better Handled By Professional Telemarketers

Professional telemarketers are always up to the task when it comes to giving quality services and effectively marketing their client's products and services. There are many known services that these telemarketers offer their clients. These include lead generation, telesales, and appointment setting services.

Talking about appointment setting services, most large business organizations have a dedicated team of sales representatives within the confines of their business establishment. These large organizations already have the necessary funds and resources to keep their appointment setting campaign alive and kicking through long periods of time.

But what about those businesses that have just recently risen? Can they handle all the necessary expenses for the campaign to survive?

There is no definite answer to that question as there are many businesses that already have the necessary funds and resources even when they have just started. However, it does not escape the fact that there are still those businesses that are in need of help with regards to their appointment setting services. Most of these businesses that are in need of help are those that are still small in terms of scale.

If these small business organizations are in need of expert appointment setting services that offer good value for their money, then they can most definitely outsource to professional telemarketers. This way, they no longer need to expend a lot of their valued resources and put a big dent in their company's budget.

For a better understanding about the cost effectiveness of outsourcing to these telemarketers, let us take a look at the comparison with regards to cost effectiveness between building an in-house team of sales representatives and outsourced services.

Building an in-house team of sales representatives

Many business owners might think that this path is the most cost effective way to take for setting up appointments with prospects. Most of the time they may have skipped the fact that keeping the campaign alive needs a lot of funding and the expending of resources. Furthermore, training costs can become expensive to the point of hindering the business organization from acquiring their much needed competitive advantage.

Outsourced appointment setting to telemarketers

Even though there are lots of times that outsourced services may not seem cheap, it is a great investment when it comes to setting up quality appointments for the business. This is because the business no longer has to be troubled with training their own employees for doing extra work that might even put a lot of stress in their part.

Additionally, the business organization no longer has to spend more money other than the payment for the outsourced services. Appointments that have been set by these telemarketers can lead to quality and long-term business relationships that ultimately results in the business' growth and financial success.

Along with these reasoning, outsourcing appointment setting services to professional telemarketers enables any business organization to add up to their resources instead of wasting them all. This has already been proven by many business organizations around the globe that have outsourced such services in the hands of these professional phone marketing experts.

Aside from cost effectiveness of outsourcing to telemarketers, one of the more beneficial things that businesses can receive is the instant level of expertise for the appointment setting campaign. These telemarketers have already gained tons of experience that they can use at their disposal in order to gather and set quality appointments for their clientele. If business owners would like to target a specific market or a particular business sector, then these telemarketers are the best people to handle the job.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Belinda_R_Summers

Automated Telephone Calls for Business Lead and Prospecting

A wise business proprietor will continuously look for original ways to promote and get in the most return on expense. The end result is of course additional clients. There are countless ways that automatic dialers can promote your corporation. Today's industry owners are highly aware of the regularly changing trends in advertising but they all do the consistent thing, Increase your ROI. The potentials are countless when it comes to finding and looking for new and cost-effective ways to advertise your company but one works out out much more than any other.

Voice Broadcasting! Moreover, possessing a strong voice broadcasting campaign for your small business could probably be one of the most effective ways to market your big business, while saving time and money. Allowing for your company to increase and gaze at your revenue grow. There are several aspects to voice broadcasting that your corporation can profit from. Informing businesses of your company and services that your small or large business offers is just the start. For example, one of the most general features is the automatic phone broadcasting system. This technique allows you to previously record a automated voicemail and have that message broadcast to as many consumers as you would like. This element functions on the key concept of calling multiple touchtone phone numbers simultaneously and broadcasting the pre recorded recording upon the telephone being picked up. This device is an excellent way for you to move your company forward in a definite and economical manner. Being aware of all of the benefits of auto voice dialers will not only save you time, however it should also save you currency. This system can also be utilized to notify callers of operational time, as well as give directions to your corporations location and any specials that your company may be offering. Having the call broadcast service take care of their customer service wants for you can help limit the total of extra costs you may otherwise have hiring workers to perform consumer service needs.

Using Voice broadcasting services for advertising means one thing,tons of new leads. Imagine for a minute, you start your campaign and suddenly your phone begins ringing with interested leads. You have complete control how many people press one and come in, what industries you are dialing to, what automated phone message you are broadcasting, and who is receiving the calls. Not to mention you decide when you need the calls to come in and when you are done receiving them. If you have never tried automatic dialing I think you should check it out because an awesome way to generate new leads.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Greenwood

How You Can Double Your Cold Calling Results With These Tested and Proven Insiders' Strategies!

In the world of cold calling a well-known, rarely implemented truth is this: What you can measure, you can manage. What you can manage you can improve dramatically!

Let's start with little measurements like 10 calls and 1 appointment. Review your call ratios for the year. If you are like most cold callers you smile, you dial, and you make about 10 cold calls a day-around 50 prospecting calls per week. At the end of it all you average 1 appointment for every 10 cold calls. You close 1 out of every 5 people you meet. When all is said and done at the end of the year, these puny little measurements show results in sales that yield a pretty good income for you, around $150,000.

The secret to reaching your goal is hidden in the numbers.

Now, let's say you want to double your income to $300,000. Your call ratios and salary may be higher or lower than the numbers used in this example. No worries, simply plug your numbers into these equations to determine your desired outcome.

Being in control of our goals is one of many wonderful things we like about the profession of sales, isn't it? We know the only thing standing between our dreams and us is our level of skill. We are glad to gobble up any tips, tools, and techniques that will improve our seemingly magical talents that are the envy of others.

OK. A close examination of the numbers reveals that your goal will be achieved by doubling one of a couple of puny numeric measures.

- Double the number of appointments you get from your dials, so you get 2 appointments out of every 10 dials.

- Double the number of appointments you close so you get business from 2 out of every 5 prospects with whom you meet.

- Scrutinize your leads, think about a top-down prospecting approach, and add a few executive-level sales calls to the mix. As you meet with Top Dogs, you double the size of your sales.

Before you roll your eyes and go, "Duh", look at your numbers. Determine which strategy will work best for you. Makes the goal of doubling your salary next year seem possible, doesn't it?

In brief, you can double your income by learning how to:

* Double the appointments you get from your dials
* Double the number of appointments you close
* Double the size of your sales as you elevate the level of your point of entry and talk to "The Top Dogs" first

Invest in a good cold calling software that fits on the front of your CRM. This kind of software makes tracking your numbers a cake walk. Pick your strategy. Learn how to leverage it to the hilt. Double your sales.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Leslie_J_Buterin

The Oddest Facts Plus Simple Effective Solutions

Want cold calling tips that will break the monotony of cold calling? Sure there is profit to be found in prospecting calls but when success comes from using the same script over and over again how do you maintain the ability to sound fresh with each and every call?

Keeping calls fresh is tough to do but critically important to your success.

Spice things up a bit. Your prospects do not need to know what all you are doing but your brain needs a fresh perspectives.

- Put on a pair of goofy glasses with a mustache under the nose. You can pick them up for a song at a toy or costume store. Slip them on just before you dial and expect a smile to play across your lips. Do not be surprised when you can hear the prospect smile back.

- Slide your chair away from the phone. Pretend as though you are sitting in a chair. Not only will this be a work out for your muscles but you will rise to the challenge of focusing intently upon your prospect's every word as your feel a burn in your buns.

- Be ready for action with a pen in hand hovering over a calendar or thumb-ready over your electronic calendar. This position of readiness will convey a sense of expectation. Then, do not be surprised when your prospect responds and schedules time with you.

- Lock your hands behind your neck, press your elbows against a door frame, breath deeply. The first time I tried this one I got so dizzy I wondered if something was wrong with my health and I called the doctor. Turns out we are a society of shallow breathers who rarely get the oxygen we really need for optimal health. Take 5 deep breaths in through your nostrils. Exhale through your mouth. The oxygen will elevate your mood and add strength to your voice.

- Follow every successful call with another prospecting call. The sense of exhilaration gained from one successful call will carry to the prospect on the next call. You will feel the sweet sensation of riding the crest of the wave of success!

Is boredom keeping your from your personal best with prospecting? Blast through that barricade. Master these cold calling tips.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Leslie_J_Buterin

Asking for Referrals for Cowards - 6 Ways to Passively Get a Referral

Do you know why the majority of sales reps do not ask for referrals on a consistent basis?

They're cowards.

They fear rejection or the worry that they'll be seen as too pushy or aggressive or they think the customer won't like them...and maybe even stop doing business.

Touch a chord?

You know this, right? Referrals are the single most powerful way to increase sales. Referrals are a hela'uva a lot easier to close because there is a degree of affinity. And they close in less time because the trust level is higher. But above all, they close at a much higher rate; as much as 70%.

It's okay to be a coward. That's human. It's not okay to NOT ask for a referral. That's foolhardy.

6 Ways to Passive Ask for a Referral

All you need to do is develop a referral system that is more passive in nature; one that quietly, discretely asks for a referral. Asking directly is still your best bet but in the meantime, here are 5 things you can do to get the referral ball rolling.

1. Send an E-mail

This is a fast, simple way to get the word out that you'd like a referral.
In the subject line, use the customer's first name and write, "Michael, need your help."
The message should be short and sweet. It should reference your business relationship and then explain your request. Here's a sample:

Michael,

First off, let me thank you for your continued business. I do not take it for granted and will continue to provide the best possible service.

Secondly, I could use your help. Much of my business is built on referrals from customers like yourself who have been pleased with the work we've provided.
Can you give me the names of some your co-workers ( or colleagues, associates, friends etc.) who might benefit from the services we provide?

I would be grateful for the opportunity to work with them and would give them the 'extra' special care and attention.

Thanks, Michael, I really appreciate your help. Regards

It doesn't clobber the customer with detail. The appeal for 'help' always gets noticed and it will get read. It is polite and sincere. No fuss, no muss. In a 'cowardless' world you could make a follow up call but if you don't, well at least you've done something; planted some seeds.

2. Ask in Your Signature File

Use your signature file on your e-mails to passively solicit referrals. It can as simple as:
"Referrals Much Appreciated and Welcomed." Make thing a hyper link so that when it is clicked Outlook is opened with your e-mail in the "To" bar. Use a different color, bold it... do something that catches the eye of reader.

Of course, the strength of this approach is that if the client thinks of someone he can refer, all he has to do is click. No other action is necessary.
If you have a referral reward system, feature that in your sig file.

3. Send a Letter

Sending a letter is much the same as an e-mail in terms of content. But a letter is much more tangible and distinctive because the customer has to interact with it by opening it.
To make you letter more effective, hand write the envelope and put a stamp on it instead of printing a label and shoving it through a postage meter. This shows you took the time and the effort.
But the most important component to a good letter is the PS. A PS is ALWAYS read and read first. It draws the eye like a magnet. Hand write the last part of your message. Use the customer's name and explain that you will give the extra card and attention.

4. Send Some Business Cards

Depending on the nature of your business or products, can go one step further with your direct mail strategy my inserting a stack of business cards. A neat little phrase that I picked up some time ago can be inserted in the letter. It goes like this,

Gina, if happen to be you're speaking with a colleague (or friend, associate etc.) and they mention the need for (your product or service) please give them my card...

Here's the thing: people don't mind giving a referral if they are absolutely confident in the services you provide. It makes them look good. Extraordinary amounts of business is done by word of mouth. So this tactic works!

5. Send a post card

Postcards are a little less formal than a written letter but the net effect is the same. Find a good postcard that conveys a business tone and write you message inside. Better yet, if you can find a postcard that suits the personality of your customer it is even better. For instance, if you have a good natured customer, find a card with humor.

Whatever the case may be, a post card is a little more casual. It has the 'no big deal' connotation surrounding it. As such, it gets the attention of your client and may prompt a response.

6. Send a Fax

Fax may be dying and even extinct in some industries, but in others it is still a major form of communication. In others, it significance is much less but there is something about getting an 'old fashioned' fax that catches the eye. Like a vintage car, we tend to look twice.

Your message could be the same as those above. Others have use 'rewards' to garner names. (One company offers T-shirts with clever messages for names and it does exceedingly well. Another has uses cash... with mixed results. Still others have offered candies and chocolates for five names and have been astounded by the response.)

Summary

Look, the BEST way to get a referral is to ask directly. But if you can't muster up the courage or if you tend to forget, then try these methods. The very least they do is create awareness. The best they do is generate a powerful lead.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Domanski

How to Slay a Sales Slump in 15 Minutes

Are your sales slumping?

You're not alone. Sooner or later we all stumble into a rut. The longer you stay in the rut, the worse things seem to become. Sound familiar?

How Most Reps Respond to a Slump

Here's the thing: When sales dip and stay dipped many reps start to point fingers to explain their less than stellar performance. They blame the crumby list, they blame the market or the economy, they blame the product they are selling not to mention the price. Slumping reps will blame their competition, their manager and the alignment of Jupiter with Mars.

The trouble is, the moment you begin to 'blame' results on external factors is the moment you become a victim. Victims feel sorry for themselves because things are seemingly out of their control. Victims are 'helpless.' Victims are 'victimized' by circumstances. Or so they think. And so the slump continues.
MOTQ - The Moment of Truth Question

How do you slay the slump? You ask yourself this question:

"So...what am I going to do about it?"

Heavy emphasis on the "I". That's it. That's all there is.

You see, at the end of the day it's YOUR responsibility to deal with the slump. It's not the manager's job. The economy won't change for you. Your competitors aren't going to cut you a break. The product isn't going to miraculously change. And good luck on the price.

The only thing that can change is YOU.

This is a liberating question. If you let it, it will galvanize you into action because what it means is this: there's absolutely no one who will bail you out... but for you.

When you realize that, you realize you have a choice. You have a choice to do nothing, stay victimized and fail miserably. Or you have a choice to get up off your butt and DO SOMETHING. Once you come to grips with this reality, the easier it is to slay the slump because your mind is now in "fix" mode, not "whine" mode.
Action Plan

If you are in a slump or if you sense you're sliding into a slump, follow these 4 Steps:

1. Give yourself 10 minutes to feel sorry for yourself. Cry 'whoa is me.' Lament. Gnash your teeth.

2. Then, take a deep breath and say, "So what am I going to do about it?"

3. Then take 5 minutes to jot down your options. Put everything done from the sublime to the ridiculous. Leave nothing out. For instance, you might write: " do nothing," "quit the job", "hope things improve", "get coaching", "check the internet", "buy a book", "ask a colleague", "come in earlier," "stay late," and all the other options you have.

4. Analyze each option. Some are ridiculous. Toss them out. Some have merit. Those that do, begin implementation right away.

The act of 'doing something' doesn't mean overnight success but it the first big step to recovery.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Domanski

A Fast Growing Global Business Strategy

IT Telemarketing has become a controversial thing for all persons. Its major objective is to sale the products and services. It basically is the process of selling merchandise and products to the customers or consumers through the telephone directories or through the information technology.

Telemarketers do much effort to know about the potential customers, they try to attract the customers by calling the persons with their names and placing their products at reasonable price. Telemarketers do the recording of sale patches and then playing these recordings automatically on the phones.

It could be possible to do telemarketing of your products and services from offices, from call centers, or from your home. It could be done through the use of recorded message or through operator. For effective IT telemarketing, first calls the person to know about their need and then make another call to motivate him to purchase your product or service.

The probable clients are identified through the means of various techniques and methods like their previous history of procure, limit of credit, entry forms and the other contact details also. There selection is done on their interest of buying some product or service. The IT telemarketing also involves the charity works as the charity organizations and institutions make their charities through the telemarketing techniques.

Moreover, the largest business vendors use the IT telemarketing techniques to get the information of the customers about their interest and purchase in different number of brands, products and services. But there are also some drawback associated with the telemarketing as well, as there is not visual dealing between the two parties and the lack of assurances.

Telemarketing uses different number of resources like the telephone searches and IT telemarketing methods on internet. Telemarketing offers the up to date information of the customers, dynamically shuffling the databases. The phone calls can be made in real time and the consumers respond quickly and the job gets done rapidly.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brandy_Ridge

Generating Auto Finance Leads Through Telemarketing

Telemarketing is very useful in auto finance leads generation and it involves a sales person soliciting prospective customers to purchase products or services through the use of phones or web conferencing. Through telemarketing, you can get a large number of customers to your business. The process is relatively simple and cheap, which makes it ideal for car finance lead generation. The following are some facts about how telemarketing campaigns are conducted and their benefits:

Telemarketing involves getting in touch with customers interested the finance services that you are providing. The customers can visit your website where they can access a form which they will fill. On this form, they provide details such as their contact and personal information, which is then sorted out by the telemarketing company. The company then arranges the information gathered and classifies the customers in terms of certain demographical characteristics.

The telemarketing companies are then able to generate auto finance leads through linking these customers to your company, where you will be able to inform them about the services you provide. The telemarketing companies can direct interested customers to your company based on the types of services that you offer and the price range of your products.

Telemarketing campaigns are very useful and since they can get many potential customers who can become clients since only the interested customers provide their personal information. The campaigns are also relatively cheap since they only involve making follow up calls, which is cheaper than other marketing campaigns. The use of telemarketing campaigns can also help to avoid legal tussles and privacy issues. This is because the customers willingly provide the information to the telemarketing companies.

You should adopt telemarketing in your auto finance leads campaigns since it guarantees increased potential customers to your businesses and this can increase your sales and revenue.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Worley

Components of an Effective Cold Call Script

Writing or developing a cold call script can be challenging due to the fact that there is a lot of information that we would like to share and gather from a sales prospect, yet we only have a very brief amount of time to work with. One thing to help with this is to have a framework for the main components of a script and then we can just plug in the content as it applies to situation.

Below are components that could be used as a framework for a cold calling script with some information on how to be most effective in each area:

Introduction
Of course, any time you pick of the phone and call someone else, you will need to begin with some sort of introduction. The key here is to be as brief as possible by simply stating who you are and what company you are with. One thing that can make an introduction more powerful and effective is to name drop other individuals or organizations that you have worked with.

Confirm Availability
At some point early in the cold call script, it is critical to confirm that the prospect is available. You do not need to confirm that they are available for a meeting, but more so confirm that they are available for your cold call. A good way to accomplish this is by asking if you have caught them in the middle of anything or if they have a moment.

Confirming the prospect's availability is key because not only does it buy you two to five minutes right off of the bat, but it also does a lot toward building rapport with the prospect as you are showing them that you respect them and their time.

Value Statement
The key ingredient in a cold call script is the value statement. A value statement is a brief statement summarizing the value that your clients receive from doing business with you. The goal of the value statement is to get the prospects attention and let them know why they should spend two to five minutes talking with you.

Qualify Questions
Once you have communicated how you help businesses or individuals, it is powerful to tell them that you don't know if what you have can help them and to ask a couple of questions to qualify the opportunity. This step is powerful for three reasons:

1. By you trying to qualify the prospect, their guard will be decreased as they will not have that feeling like someone is pushing a sale on them.
2. You will gather key information that you can use later in the cold call or sales cycle.
3. You might identify that it is not a qualified opportunity and end the call saving yourself and the prospect valuable time.

Building Interest
Once you have qualified the prospect, it is time to build interest. You do not have time to go into a tremendous amount of detail but there should be a couple of statements made that connect the value statement with any pain identified while asking qualifying questions.

First Conversation
The last step in a cold call script should be to tee up a first conversation. This first conversation may actually occur during the cold call, but ideally the cold call will be the invitation to talk in more detail at another time that is scheduled with both parties.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Halper

Creating And Using Effective Telemarketing Scripts

At one time or another, it's happened to all of us. We're sitting comfortably, the phone rings and it's another one of those annoying telemarketing calls. Many of us immediately hang up, while others quickly interrupt the caller, and say that they are not interested. While some people are more polite and listen before not acting, very occasionally a telemarketer gets our attention, and we listen to what he has to say. What exactly does this one individual do that the other do not that grabs our attention, and keeps us on the phone?

The most successful telemarketers actually use scripts, yet make the script sound so conversational that we don't feel like it's being read to us. A successful script has to begin on the upbeat, and immediately grab our attention, and whet our appetite, while appearing to be addressing an important need. Some of the rules for telemarketing scripts include:

1. Immediately addressing the person that answers the phone by name, and not just making it appear impersonal by calling the person Mister this or that. While a telemarketer must sound proper, respectful and professional, he must also come off as being conscientious, attentive, and professional. Some telemarketers feel that they need to "small talk" to warm up the receiver of the call, yet studies and my experience in training and performing telemarketing for over thirty years, indicates that people don't want their time wasted with idle chatter. Instead, beginning with something such as, "Is this John? John Smith?" and then waiting for a response, before proceeding. Once John is on the phone, continue, "Hi Mr. Smith? May I call you John?" Then, of course wait for confirmation before proceeding. "My name is _______ (give your name) with _______(give the name of your company or organization). If you're like me, you hate to get calls from people like me, so I'm not going to waste your time, and if you give me just two minutes of your time, I'll prove to you, I'm not one of them. OK?" Wait for the cursory response before proceeding. "The reason for my call is..." and then explain concisely why you're calling and what's in it for them. Don't overstate or make empty promises, but explain how you have helped hundreds of others, and believe you can help them too. Continue to be upbeat and concise, while focusing on their needs. Listen intently to any comments, etc.

2. Locate the person's "hot button." That means ask questions instead of making just statements, and direct your conversation toward whatever motivates them. Use expressions like, "If I could show you a way," or "Wouldn't that make sense," while always giving the person the opportunity to reply to your directed question.

3. What is the purpose of this telemarketing call? Is it to sell something, invite someone to something, make an appointment, or for some other purpose? Stick to the one or two purposes only, and then get off the phone once confirmed.

4. Have an effective close to your script. After asking the questions, and getting the individual in the habit of saying yes, close by asking, for example if your trying to set an appointment, "Is Tuesday at 4 PM good, or would Thursday at 5:30 be better? Then, as always wait for a response. if the individual chooses one, simply say, "Great, I look forward to seeing you on Tuesday at 4PM. Good bye," and then get off the telephone immediately.

5. Understand in advance the objections someone might offer, and have an effective answer for each, and always remember to close at the end of the answer once again. In a previous EzineArticle, I discuss the five steps to answering an objection, and using this technique provides the best opportunity for success.

Remember that telemarketing is a numbers game. Proficient telemarketers learn what their Closing Ratio is, that is, how many calls it takes to have success. Based on that, someone should be able to predict how many calls they need to make to achieve their success goal. Telemarketers must understand that someone that says no is not a personal rejection, and that every no brings you closer to a yes. Use a script and make it part of you, understand the nuances, and devote the time and effort necessary for success. Take occasional breaks so as not to "burn out.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Brody

Using A Mirror To Improve Phone Skills

For over thirty years, I have both personally transacted business on the telephone and trained telemarketers, customer service people, and both inbound and outbound phone sale people, as well as organizational leaders, on how to obtain optimal results using a telephone. I have discovered many interesting things about phone selling, not the least of which is that one can be great on the phone and awful face to face, and vice versa. Selling and transmitting business on the telephone takes specific skills and actions, and is something that nearly anyone willing to be trained, can be taught to do.

I am a major proponents of using two small tricks to help with phone success. The first is to employ the phone's mute function, and to only disengage the mute when you are prepared to speak. That keeps you from blurting out something without due consideration, or interrupting the other person. However, while many people use the mute function, the employment of a small table mirror is even more helpful.

Studies show that many people can sense the mood or attitude of the person on the other end of the phone, either by their voice, their attitude, their tone of voice, or factors such as politeness and patience. Since we often do not hear ourselves as others do, I suggest that someone place a small table mirror directly in front of them while they are on the phone. Look in the mirror at yourself as you are communicating on the telephone. What is your facial expression? Are you smiling, "smerking," or moping? Do you look like you are enjoying yourself? Do you appear as if you are getting angry (turning red or changing facial expression) based on what is happening on the call? Do you look like someone who doesn't want to be there? Do you have the same expression on your face as you would if you knew the other person could see you, as in the face to face scenario? How about your posture? Are you sitting up rigidly, or sitting comfortable? Are you sitting erect or slouching into your chair? Are you focused on what is being said to you?

Only by knowing what you have been doing mostly subconsciously, will you be able to address it. Using a mirror is an easy aid, and a helpful one. I have seen telemarketers increase their closing ratios on the telephone exponentially just by paying attention to these details. Similarly, I've observed businesses Customer Service satisfaction rate rise dramatically when these unconscious negative acts stop bringing down the perceived sincerity level. In many cases, when I have done Leadership Training for leaders of organizations, I have gotten the feedback that they were far more able to motivate their members when they addressed their own personal telephone body language.

Even in today's digital and electronic age, there is an important need to be professional and caring on the telephone. Simply by thinking about how we look in the mirror and addressing those things, we can enhance our performance significantly.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Brody

Different Types of Damaged Wholesale Merchandise

Damaged merchandise is also known as salvage merchandise. Damaged or salvage merchandise is a kind of wholesale inventory mostly sold in closeout deals. Damaged merchandise will refer to merchandise which is either damaged or in a situation where the potential for damage is quite high, or there can be any other reason that make it impossible to sell them as normal products.

There are many circumstances that will turn good quality products into damaged merchandises. For instance, if the container of a truck or train is capsized or derailed then the whole lot of merchandise will be damaged. If the containers were insured then the insurance companies will pay the money to merchandiser and own the whole lot. Then the whole merchandise is sold to different customers as salvage merchandise on low wholesale rates. Obviously, it is quite risky for the buyer as there is no guarantee of products and these wholesale products are sold on as-it-is basis. But the main benefit is that they are literally sold on scrap rates which are quite low from even wholesale rates. Besides while buying, the buyer can personally check the whole lot to gauge the damage.

There are some basic types of salvage merchandise which can be obtained from merchandiser. The first type of salvage merchandise is unclaimed freight, when the actual buyer has refused to buy the whole container of merchandise due to damaged, incomplete items, or for any other reason. The wholesaler will often find another customer and sell at low rates instead of transporting the container back to their warehouse.

The second kind is store returns; they are the products which are returned by the customers. They cannot be resold as new merchandise for obvious reasons, so they are also declared as salvage goods. Third type of salvage goods are seasonal overstocks, they are the leftover of seasonal merchandise. Businesses always want to get rid of this inventory to fill their shelves with new stock. As a result this wholesale merchandise is also sold as salvage.

Remember that the damaged merchandise is only appropriate for those wholesalers or distributors who are targeting the low-end customers who will tolerate the slightly damaged goods in exchange of pennies. The damaged merchandise is so low in cost that the whole containers can be easily bought easily. Wholesalers, merchandisers, dropshippers can really get benefit from these damaged goods. They can also do this kind of deal occasionally to earn some quick profits.
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