Watching the Kentucky Derby this Saturday triggered an idea for today’s post.  Business and athletics (regardless of sport) are very similar.  In fact, if we ran our business like an athlete imagine how successful we would be.

Plan:

Start with the end in mind, write your daily work-out and plan to win!

Train Hard:

Believe in your goal and put the work in to acheive it!  You can do it.

Perform:

It’s show time!  (or presentation day, close the deal day, etc…)  Go out there and do what you do.  When you’re prepared there’s no stopping you.

Win:

Celebrate the moment and get back to work.  (there’s no finish line in business)

Need help?  Find a coach or a mentor.  Accountability is a huge motivator!

Happy Monday,

Karen

Knowledge and the ease of doing business trumps a “freebie” gift w/ purchase every time. Over the years I have had literally hundreds of sales reps call on me for my business. The people that earned my business were the reps that didn’t just “sell” to me, they shared knowledge, offered education and were consistent in their calling efforts.

Building a strong customer loyalty program is as easy as 1-2-3-4.

#1. Listen intently:

Accurately understanding the problem that your customer needs to solve allows us to recommend alternatives and build trust.

#2. Education:

Customers look to us for new information and trends that will improve their bottom line. Communicate with your customers by offering webinars, industry events and flyers (delivering on line and in person), on a regular basis.

#3. Help your customers avoid potential landmines:

The knowledge that you glean from your previous customers on what has worked and what has not worked is a golden opportunity to share these experiences and be thought of as an expert.

#4. Easy buying process:

Make sure your buying process is easy for your customer. (Not for you).

Here are five potential hot buttons that your customers have:

1. prompt response when asked for a quote 2. order cutoff times 3. ease of placing an order 4. tracking 5. billing questions.

Have a great week!

Now go out and cement those relationships,

Karen

As a sales professional and entrepreneur I’ve spent my career mining for new customers, maintaining current ones and striving to “stand out” in this rapidly changing business climate.

What I’ve learned over the years is that innovation is the key to success.

Fostering innovation spurs change, growth and allows us the oppurtunity to reinvent ourselves and our business. Make innovation part of your company culture and see what happens!

Here’s how:

Internal review:   Examine your company, your team and your products. Indentify ways to be better, do more and stand out.

Marketplace review:   Take the time to stay on top of your industry.  Doing so gives you the insight to predict the next big thing, see what’s out and spot current trends.

Talent:   Hire the right team, surround yourself with capable vendors and never stop learning.

Happy innovating!

Karen

Thinking about blazing your own trail? Before you do, make sure you choose the right industry and path carefully.

Take the time to do the research. Know what you are getting yourself (and your family) into regarding the demands of time, energy and travel.

Running a successful and profitable business takes 100% of your time. You absolutely need to do a gut check before embarking on your business.

Being honest with yourself upfront and before taking the leap will save you the heartache later.

Here’s to your success,

Karen