Using Likedin

If you are not already using the online networking site LinkedIn you should consider joining. Once on LinkedIn you should try to make connections with your advertisers. Get in the habit of updating your status by posting ideas and success stories. Each time you do this your clients will be updated. They may choose not to read every post because they are busy but this still creates the impression that you are a person that gets things done. LinkedIn is also a great place to learn what is going on in your customer's world. When a client or prospect posts some good news drop them a card or at least send a congratulatory e-mail. This site also is a great place to research prospects and find common ground with them. "I see you went to State U., so did I." In our business, as in life, knowledge is power, LinkedIn is a great way to gather knowledge about your customers.

Keep Smiling, Keep Selling!

Thanks

Jim Busch

Your best resource

Regular readers know that i am constantly reading books on business and advertising. I also take training classes when ever I can. You may be surprised to learn that the best lessons I've learned don't come from these sources, they come from interacting with other people in the business world. I just spent two days meeting with the AFCP's Leadership Institute training team. We took time out for an informal round table about selling free paper advertising. I learned more in this hour than I could in a dozen books. Take the time to talk with your co-workers and other business people. open up about your problems and share your ideas. This sharing of ideas will benefit everyone involved. Often we are so busy that we don't take the time to have a good conversation, we rush here and rush there just exchanging a few quick, and meaningless, pleasantries. Taking the time to have substantive conversations with intelligent people is not a waste of your time. It is an invaluable educational tool

Keep Smiling, Keep Selling!

Thanks

Jim Busch

Are you a part of the business community

Since we cover the entire metro market, my company belongs to dozens of different Chambers of Commerce and similar local business groups. Some of our reps never attend, other religiously go to the meeting, eat the bad chicken and leave. Our best reps actively participate in these groups. They join committees and give some of their time to the organization. If properly used these memberships can can lead to some serious sales and referrals. If you are not participating, your membership dues are money down the drain. Sales is about relationships and working with people on Chamber projects is a great way to build relationships. Typically the people who get involved in these projects are the most successful, best connected persons in the community. Even if these people come from industrial firms that are unlikely to advertise a word from them will open many doors that may be closed to you. The key is to actively take part, showing up is not enough.

Keep Smiling, Keep Selling!

Thanks Jim Busch