Building a Results Oriented Sales Team

 The main goal of sales is not the selling itself but the end result, that is the sale where there is an exchange of goods or service for the customer's cash. Businesses exist to make money. Winning teams need to be in place and it takes time and skill to build such teams. There are components that need to come together to produce the right team. The sales organization, the sales leadership have a role to play in building a results oriented team. There must be a correct mix of product, price, promotion, distribution, people and processes to win in the market place. While our focus is on the sales team let me emphasize that these ingredients are critical in making of sales success.

A results oriented sales team is one that is geared in all its efforts towards winning were it matters most, in the market place. Just like in team sport everyone it pulls together and members complement one another resulting in a win. They have shared goals, values and beliefs. They know each other's strengths and weaknesses and realize that you are only as strong as your weakest link. This team is equipped, skilled and armed to win against competitors who are entering the fray on a daily basis. They are not only motivated by remuneration but genuinely seek to solve an identified customer problem or need. They see themselves as possessing the best solution for the customer. They do a thorough analysis of their customer needs and match their offering to the customer. They don't assume that they know what the customer wants but they engage them to uncover the real need before presenting their product.

Members of the team must individually possess the right mental attitude, hunger for success and work hard to achieve the objectives of the business. This individual works must add value to the team by focussing on doing a good job. He must be performance minded willing to put in extra time to study even using personal resources to better himself. He must be constantly looking for opportunities to help advance the company, outside office hours. This sales representative must believe in himself and his ability. He needs to immerse himself in product knowledge, doing his best to understand the typical customer or consumer. He must be aware that there are various levels of selling, for example in business to business sales, in order to interact and create valuable relationships with the different gatekeepers, influencers, users, decision makers in the decision - making unit.

The organization plays a very important facilitation in terms of recruiting the best personnel and creating an enabling environment. Apart from recruitment, the organization must create a good operating environment, allocate resources, create quality products and generally support of the sales team in terms of marketing, branding and any sales support needed. Results do not come by themselves but they are embedded in the very culture of the organization. It has been said that we set out to win the sale by the way we clean the floors in our offices, the appearance of our sales staff sends a message. The organization must have a culture that sells the right image and creates the right perception and positioning in the market.

A sales manager you would ideally want to work with a results oriented candidate on the onset but sometimes you don't get the ideal candidate joining the team, therefore you must train, equip, motivate and coach. Even the best football players in the world need coaches. The job is to ensure that every member of the team is aligned to the vision of the team. Building a goal oriented sales team is a job that is never done, it is ongoing and you can get it right through continuous development and on the job training. It is management's role to set clear objectives, plan, organize, direct and evaluate team effectiveness. Purpose, clear roles of team members and clear standards of performance must be pre-agreed.

In conclusion, everything that the company does and stands for must have the same orientation, that is to produce excellent sales results. However, the major and ultimate responsibility of delivering and closing the rests on the sales team. As a sales person be excellent and do what you were hired to do.

Finding The Best Options For Customized Pet Clothing

 Pet owners and cat lovers who are interested in finding customized clothing and unique garments may be surprised to discover just how many different retail options and suppliers may be able to meet their needs. While there are plenty of options, not every retailer or outlet may be worth dealing with. Finding the most unique, colorful or the best quality items makes it easier to create the perfect outfit.

Custom clothing can be more than just a fun novelty. A warm pair of socks can be an essential concern, especially for those who may have trouble tolerating colder temperatures. A well made sock that is warm, whimsical and attractive makes it much easier to stay comfortable throughout the day.

Poorly made clothing is rarely worth the cost of purchase. A sock or other garment that may wear out too quickly or that is not durable enough to withstand the wash cycle or the rigors of everyday use may prove to be little more than a waste of money. Cat aficionados who make it a point to only invest in garments made with superior quality materials and the best manufacturing methods are far more likely to enjoy their purchase.

Customized clothing provides is a great way to create a more distinctive, memorable and eye catching outfit. Pet owners who are eager for the chance to show off their beloved cat or those that may be seeking just the right conversation piece would do well to consider all that customized garments may have to offer. A unique and personalized sock design could make more of a difference than many people might have imagined.

With plenty of different outlets specializing in customized clothing, finding and selecting the right option can seem like quite the challenge. Dealing with a lesser service could limit options and force customers to make due with an option that is unable to provide them with the quality, value and overall level of satisfaction that they are seeking to enjoy. Superior clothing and a greater range of customization options may not always be available when dealing with a second rate merchant or a lesser outlet.

Spending more than they may be able to afford on customized clothing is another concern that many prospective customers may wish to avoid. Finding a more affordable selection of quality clothing or being able to order a personalized sock design or other garment for less overall cost could make a real difference. Those who choose to shop with the best may have a much easier time making the right purchase.

Owners who wish to celebrate their pet would do well to consider all that personalized clothing options may have to offer. Personalized garments that showcase unique designs can be a lot of fun. Shopping with the right supplier makes it easier to find or create the perfect accessory item.

Personalized garments that combine quality clothing with a unique and fun twist can make for a fantastic gift option. Cat lovers with a creative streak may be able to create an endless range of patterns, designs and garments such as custom cat socks. Doing business with the right supplier makes creating the best customized clothing and accessories a much simpler undertaking.

How To Be More Successful At Beating The Competition

 How can you stand out in the crowd and win over the competition in today's world filled with thousands of marketing messages every day? Well, a key factor is establishing a genuine connection with your prospect or customer. Most presentations and marketing communications are filled with facts. But facts tell, and stories sell. Your customers can find tons of information on the internet. But customers don't want to dig through tons of information. They want to trust the vendor company and seller. They want to believe the solution, product or service will solve their problem, improve their life or help them grow their business.

Strategy Difference

No facts, discount, power or other forms of push strategy will win over a story that is a pull strategy. People don't want to be sold; they want to make a decision to buy. Stories allow them to do just that. An authentically compelling story is more powerful than any other form of influence. So, let's look at why and how storytelling is your best tool against the competition.

What the experts say

Storytelling expert, Annette Simmons says that you are wasting your time presenting your benefits or the pertinent facts if you have not first established trust and a connection. Stories allow you to reach prospects and customers emotionally where decisions are actually made. A good story will capture the interest of the listener. You can weave facts into your stories to justify decisions and create powerful calls to action.

Why this strategy works

People want to know you and your company. Stories let your audience see who you are better than any other communication message. Facts don't go deep enough to allow the audience to develop trust. A Who I Am story reveals something about your personal characteristics or beliefs. A Who We Are Story shows the purpose and values of your company. When you tell a Why I AM Here or a What's In It for Me story, the prospect will understand that what he or she has to gain and what is in it for you. Most people agree there should be an honorable profit, but today they want proof that you and your company operate with integrity and transparency. The financials and the reference to Sarbanes-Oxley rules are not easily understood, and some people believe you can manipulate the numbers. So, customers want a story that demonstrates integrity.

The strategy and the sales process

Throughout your sales process, you want to have a collection of stories to present in the various phases and situations. For example, vision stories allow the prospect to envision the future with your product or service. And, teaching stories communicate to the brain how a new scenario or behavior feels and how it creates different results. It's a no-risk demonstration.

The strategy connection

Stories are more real and authentic than facts. Presentations and case studies containing facts do not include any emotion or sensory details. So, they fail to reach the prospect on an emotional level where decisions are made.

You must learn to incorporate storytelling if you want to gain the attention of your customers and prospects and win over the competition. We will continue this series on the importance of storytelling in our blog posts and podcasts.