May 2007
The concept of 'sales' frightens even the best of us. Many times I hear "I'm not a sales person and never will be!". The surprising thing is that you need not been in sales or marketing to promote it. It is simply a matter of asking the right questions.
Are you Ready?
As Business Owners, Executives and Entrepreneurs we are placed in a position everyday of proposing our business to those around us. But, what about the bigger picture, irrespective of our position within the company or organization, we are still responsible for its success. Positive increased visibility and sale will create success.
According to the Etiquette Advantage in Business, developing the skill of asking questions is quite beneficial:
Asking the right questions can set you on the road to success. If you move the conversation along the gentle, intelligent questions, you'll more than likely gain valuable information given freely without seeming nosy or intrusive-information that makes all the difference in the outcome of a business transaction of any kind, You'll almost learn things about her or him that you wouldn't learn if you chose to dominate the conversation.
What questions are right for your particular situation? Ask those around you. Ask you marketing folks to make a presentation or suggestions. Ask you boss, associates, and existing clients. Please don't forget the most important part of asking questions-listen openly to their answers, which will likely lead to your next questions.
Make "asking for the business" a natural process without
expectation.