Forget sand in the Sahara and snow in Glenshee as this month’s most difficult sales pitches.
Spare a thought instead, if you can bring yourself, for Donald Trump and his wilting wall. Or even Teresa May and her beleaguered Brexit.
Are some ideas simply too heavy to fly?
Well, we believe in being bold, brave and exceptional – and that means, if you want to excel in the world of sales with a top position from s1jobs, nothing is impossible!
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You’ve heard the phrase ‘money for old rope’? Well, there is . . . if you first identify your target audience.
So who would buy a piece of old rope? Someone who lives in a remote location far from a DIY store and who doesn’t need three miles of new nylon cord – just enough for a washing line.
Next, identify how to reach such a niche customer. In this instance it’s by selling online and guaranteeing quick delivery.
Et voila! What, to most people, was an undesirable item for the recycling bin, is now a welcome accessory for Hamish and his windswept longjohns in the Outer Hebrides.
Top tip: When you target the right buyer, there’s no such thing as an unsellable product.
Be Fast Not Last
It doesn’t matter what you’re selling, in today’s world the customer wants it right now.
You may have the best product or service on the market but if you can’t deliver it when it’s needed this matters not a jot. Speed is everything.
This is even more important if you’re selling undifferentiated products in a competitive market. In this scenario, the first to respond wins the day.
Top tip: Always cut straight to the chase with buyers who don’t want to waste their time shopping around.
Dedicate Yourself
Many self-appointed sales gurus will tell you persistence pays off. Oh, and there’s a golden number of times to contact an unresponsive buyer. Inexplicably, this is seven.
The real truth is, while it’s important ‘to do a Brucie’ (if at first you don’t succeed, like King Robert, try, try again), it’s equally important to know when to stop and move on.
Being too persistent can make a customer feel negative about your brand – and that will lead to more failures in the future.
Top tip: Transform persistence into dedication. Your follow-ups should focus on whether the customer is happy and what you can do as a professional, if they haven’t yet found their ideal purchase.
Be Competitive
It might be a surplus of supply, a product that’s been left behind by an upgrade or a service that’s simply gone out of fashion.
Whatever may be hampering your sale, take stock and consider whether cutting prices will make an unattractive product more appealing – while also laying the foundations for higher-value sales with the same customer in the future.
Top tip: Small victories achieved now add up to campaign wins in the long term.
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to uncover the best Sales vacancies on s1jobs.