S&L Systems for Success
Cathy Eads, Sr. Ex. Team Leader -- ALR 2013
Getting into Accounts
Tracking Accounts
Follow – up, order completion, service
Appointments
Getting into Accounts
Eyes and Ears open – schools & libraries and beyond - to literacy orgs, community orgs, hospitals, therapy centers, foundations, etc.
Know the programs – S&L service, LFL, RFTS, author visits, BF, CFAC. Plenty of online resources in CIA, audios, upline, convention, meetings
Know the product – we meet needs with BOTH programs and product.
Initial contact “teaser” email – follow up with call if no response OR use email to set time to talk by phone
Phone call to get in for appointment, or get closer to an order/program date
Initial Teaser Email NEW S&L client
Hi Suzanne,
I’m visiting schools in Gwinnett County (or list specific school/media specialist you’re meeting with already in that area) next week to share our Common Core titles, along with information about our literacy programs, and 50% matching grant.
I have time open on Tuesday at 1 pm and Thursday at 10 am. Would one of those times work well for you?
Cathy EadsSr. Educational ConsultantEDC Publishing – home of Usborne and Kane/Miller BooksEDCLibraryBooks.com/H02401-888-305-2120678-475-0023
Initial Teaser Email LFL
Hi Joanne,
I'd like to share information with you regarding our 50% matching grant for children's and YA books.
Would you have five minutes Thursday to discuss more by phone?
Cathy EadsSr. Educational ConsultantEDC Publishing – home of Usborne & Kane/Miller BooksEDCLibraryBooks.com/H02401-888-305-2120678-475-0023
Tracking Accounts Zoho.com – CRM - excellent contact management tool, free for single user
Keeps all lead’s contact information, allows for extensive notes, can author emails within the program, allows you to setup to-do lists/tasks with deadlines, rank urgency, pipeline builder, etc.
Calendar – put everything on your calendar, use electronic reminders
appt. date/time, follow-up date/time, send stuff date/time, next contact date/time, check back if order not submitted yet, etc.
Appt. Prep
Roll aboard suitcase full of books – keep it packed with S&L best sellers, plus add titles that will meet the needs I’ve found they have, and newest titles for this season
S&L “Business” Bag with – 2 to 4 S&L catalogs, notebook for taking notes of what they need/want to order/questions, calculator, pens, sharpie, sticky notes, catalogs, binder, small gift (Beginner, sticky notes with logo, nice treat – chocolate?)
Binder - with Dewey’s, program flyers, BF and RFTS one pager/flyer, author visit flyer, etc.
At the Appt.Let’s Share Books! Smile, these are book lovers! Listen more than talk, allow them to be wowed by the books.
As you share, go through the books by catalog order. Best to have books packed that way.
Take notes • what they want/are interested in (wish list of books)• highlight the series • note questions (these are a reason to follow up - with answers!) • take down cataloging info, starting bar code #, • ask about preferred payment method, any special ordering policies
Let them know you’ll need a copy of their tax exempt certif. for HO
Tell them when you’ll get “wish list” order to them & ask to add them to IMN
** Ask for Referrals! **
After Appt.
• Put wish list into OPOL• send pdf of order – without summary – along with a thank you email, including answers to any questions they had as well. • I like to end with “if you have any questions, or adjustments, just let me know. I’m happy to help.”
Keep following up to finalize order or book event – sometimes this takes a looong time – use calendar to schedule your follow ups.
Postcards about programs, IMN, small gifts (holiday/new year) , emails about new titles, programs, etc. help keep you in mind when $ or needs arise.
S&L Systems for Success - summary
Appointments – Keep prepped, like for shows. Have a professional, organized way of sharing at the appointment. LISTEN well to fill needs.
Getting into Accounts – use school/org websites, watch news papers, blogs, social media, etc. Initial email/call is to pique interest, then talk/meet more.
Follow up – it’s our job to keep on top. Our priority, not theirs. Consistent, personal, professional service sets us apart, builds rapport.
Tracking Accounts – use a contact management system and a calendar with reminders