FollowDid you know that cold calls are the least effective way to get new business and very often a waste of your time? Why? Because it can take up to 50 cold calls to secure just one appointment – and the chance of that appointment turning into a sale are not great!
Recently a reader challenged me to come up with 3 ways to get business without making cold calls or asking for referrals.
Here are my top 3 strategies:
- Form Alliances: Who serves the same target market but is not a direct competitor? Printers, graphic artists and meeting planners are a few suggested alliance partners. How can you both work together and increase your sales? Consider hosting an open house together or doing a joint direct mailing.
- Target Your Networking: People buy from others they know, like and trust. Target your networking where you are most likely to meet people in your target market or the people who attend can give you referrals. Join organizations that members of your target market belong to. Show up regularly, join committees and be of service and members will surely want to give you business.
- Social Media: Online marketing can work, but to succeed you need to do more than just have a profile or a fan page. Join a marketing group at an online site such as Facebook or LinkedIn. Position yourself as an expert by answering questions and being helpful. The more expertise you show, the more likely you are to get new business. Encourage others to follow you by posting interesting articles and giving helpful advice. Offer a free promotional gift to fans and consider sponsoring a contest to create excitement for your products.
What has worked in your promotional products business to get sales without making cold calls? Please share it with other readers by posting a comment below.
© 2009 – 2022 Rosalie Marcus
Rosalie Marcus, The Promo Biz Coach ™ is a promotional products business expert, coach and speaker. Combining her skills and years of experience in promotional sales, she helps her clients sell more at higher profit margins and dramatically increase their incomes! Get a FREE special report: 10 Big Mistakes Promotional Professionals Make and How to Avoid Them and a FREE Skyrocket Your Sales audio download at http://www.promobizcoach.
Reach her at Rosalie@promobizcoach.com or 215-572-6766.
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