Peggy’s Pointers on Business: What is Your Consistency Level?
Consistency – “ The achievement of a level of performance that does not vary greatly in quality over time.”
Think about professional athletes – most of them are not superstars like Michael Jordan but they achieve their professional status by performing at a high level of consistently over and over.
How consistent are you at what you do best? When you figure this out, it will be “your Edge over your competition. Therefore, examine your successes; create an action plan to do more of this; then, go for it!
Peggy P. Edge © 2013
Peggy’s Pointers on Sales – Asking Clients for Advice
When was the last time you ask one of your clients for his wisdom or knowledge?
Having been in professional sales for 30+ years, I have seen my share of “hot-shot salesmen” who are constantly in sales mode. They drive up and down the street with one thing in mind…sell something to someone at all costs.
However, a really good salesman knows that they have to look and act like they don’t really need a sale. How can they do this?
* Ask your client for his wisdom or knowledge.
* Ask…what has been your experience with xyz?
* Ask…how has this helped you profit?
* Ask…how have you successfully used …….?
Remember these are not necessarily questions about your products and services but about life experiences, hobbies, etc. Use probing questions to get to know your client and how they think.
A sale is not about exchanging goods and services for dollars but it is about building a relationship…creating partners. When you do this you will have established yourself as a professional in the eyes of your client.
Peggy P. Edge (c) 2013
Professionalism in the Market Place
I have been asked to speak to the Nursing students at a local college. I look forward to sharing my 30+ years of war stories in sales with these young people.
Most likely they will roll their eyes at some of my fuddy-duddy ideas of being a professional in the marketplace. However, some rules never go out of style like, dressing for success not dressing to your own desire–pants-on-the-ground, pink hair, body piercings, etc.
Every industry has prescribed guidelines for what is professional in their market. Before you go to that first interview you should be aware that you will be meeting someone who is going to make a judgment about you and your character within the first 5 seconds you walk into the room.
Recently a young friend of mine interviewed for a job at a major telecommunications manufacturer here in the DFW area. Prior to her interview, she was told by the agency that she was working with that she would not be allowed to carry a cell phone into the facility—it must be left in the car. Oh my, what would she do if someone needed to call her during that time? Well, duh, they would just have to leave a message.
Yes, some corporations do not allow personal cell phones in the office. Can you imagine 8 hours of not being in touch with your friends?
I think very few young people coming out of high school and college these days have a sense of what it takes to be successful in a job. I’m not trying to negative here just realistic.
The bottom line is that if you want to be considered as a professional, you must first look and act the part.
