New Year is here already. No matter how good or bad the past year was, we are sure you want to increase on those sales numbers.
It is, as they say, easier said than done. To make your business shine in 2017 you got to try something different, different than what you did in 2016.
Mistakes are good, but only if you don’t repeat them. If you want to achieve something substantial this year, it is important that you don’t repeat the same mistakes again! That’s number one really. Other than that we have compiled some important tips and strategies for sales that can help you achieve your goals in 2017.
So, put everything aside for a few minutes, put on your reading glasses, grab a cup of coffee, and start reading…
#1- Be Empathetic
This is what we call putting yourself in customer’s (audience) shoes – be thoughtful and considerate about them. Again, it is easier said than done! You might be thinking right now that you’re already doing this, you’re already audience focused and everything you do is for your audience. BUT are you solving any problems? This particularly holds true for C-Level executives. No matter how much you care about them, if you’re not providing them with the solution to their problems, they might never respond to you positively.
Bottom Line: Think of a problem your audiences might be facing and then approach them with the best solution.
#2- Don’t Rely on Networking (too much)
Having connection in the industry is important but sometimes this can fire-back specially for the sales team. What we have learnt in 2016 is the fact that we shouldn’t rely too much on our network to introduce us to new opportunities. Start approaching the decision makers directly if you can. Be proactive in your approach, research for influencers and start a conversation directly.
Remember that you can only do this if you are well prepared/rehearsed and know your game well!
#3- Ask Questions
The best salespeople in our view are those who are curious, as curious as a little child. They always have a bag full of questions and they know when to ask what. Stop talking about your business and start talking about theirs. Get to know what troubles they are facing and come up with a solution. Well-thought probing questions in your sales email can do the trick here.
Remember that whatever your customers have to say is important and learn to talk more, listen even more and do the best!
Conclusion:
We could have added this as our tip #4 but this is general. No matter its 2017 or 2032, you’ll always have to be consistent in order to achieve those big goals. Nothing can work in your favor if you’re not persistent. Give your strategies ample time to show results before you analyze them.
Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day!