Inside Sales Series Ten ideas to help you develop a successful sales plan this year
Dec 14, 2015
You have just ended a tough sales
year. You worked hard and have
sold well in a tough economy.
But the last of the festive holiday
season has now passed.
It’s the new year �. Time to get
back on the sales job!
It’s Jan 2nd �..And then it hits you.
Last year’s sales
figures are now
consigned to the
history – it’s back to
zero again!
I could wait for my existing
clients to reorder and bring
in a large slice of my annual
sales target?
I’m all for taking proactive steps
but will the phone ring often enough ring often enough
with this approach?
…This idea might never fly!
May be!
................................................................
However, I would However, I would However, I would However, I would
also like a life!also like a life!also like a life!also like a life!also like a life!also like a life!also like a life!also like a life!
Prospect where the odds are in your favour
already. Pick sectors where you have �
• A proven track record• More expertise of their world• An extensive contact base• People who can provide you with introductions•
That could be
A Professional body
Or
A trade association(Example: If you sell to Retail - Retail Excellence Ireland)
(Example: If you sell to HR Managers - Chartered Institute
of Personal Development –C.I.P.D.)
or
Consider ………
• Writing for their publication
• Giving speeches at their seminars
• Provide resources for their website
But do this
Leverage Client relationships – where
those clients are well networkedthose clients are well networked
How can you find out how well
networked they are?
• Check their LinkedIn account for your
sales targets
• Ask them who they know!
• Remember, most of your clients (if they
rate you) will be delighted to introduce you
to their contacts – Just ask them!
How do I ask for the introduction?How do I ask for the introduction?How do I ask for the introduction?How do I ask for the introduction?
In 4 easy steps�.. Ask your client �..
1.How well do they know your sales target.
2.Would they be comfortable introducing you.
3.To ask the sales target to accept a call from you.3.To ask the sales target to accept a call from you.
4. ‘To ‘cc’ an email to both the sales target
and yourself with contact details.
Remember, the more people you
target in a company …
• The better the odds of making a connection with
one of them.
• The higher the chance of you finding a mutual
business contact to introduce you.
You can always
move laterally
towards the
correct buyer correct buyer
regardless of
which of the five
targets you initially
meet with!
Follow their
• Comments
• Groups
• And watch out for mutual contacts
• Answering of questions
• Create your own visibility in their groups - post resources, articles and answer questions
A complimentary solution provider
Is a supplier who
� Targets the same people you do
�Is not the competition
Compliments your offering�Compliments your offering
�Is well networked
�Will share information
�Will swop introductions
CSP’s
• For example, if you sell Security services
to Facility Directors - a CSP ,might be
environmental monitoring equipment providers
• Have 3/4 CSP’s on the go, meet , chat
once a month and swop two prospects
with each one each time you meet.
Strategic networkers
• Identify correct events
• Get attendance lists in advance
• Ask organisers for introductions• Ask organisers for introductions
• Ask questions to understand
• Follow up sincerely
• Build trust with new contacts before
asking for help
A thought leader is someone who
• Shares ideas
• Writes articles
• Answers questions
• Makes speeches• Makes speeches
• Provides insight
• Anticipates new trends
Via Social & Other Media
Stay in touch
• Be helpful
• Support behind the scenes
• Keep them on distribution lists
• Send free resources• Send free resources
• Be LinkedIn with them
• Things don't stay the same for very long!
Resource new customer accounts based on
the potential medium term opportunity as
opposed to the current transaction value
• Manage it for 2/3 months as if the account
was worth five times the current value.
• Cultivate relationships – high and wide
• Follow up
‘Large streams from little fountains flow, large oaks
from little acorns grow’.- David Everett (1769 -1813)
• Follow up
• Introduce them to potential customers from
your circle of influence.
• Make a judgment call after 3 months as
to how you will continue