Do You Have a Product to Sell From the Stage?

If you have given a great talk, the audience wants to learn more from you. As a speaker, you have a group of people eager to hear what’s next! This is your opportunity to increase your revenue stream by offering a product your audience needs and wants to buy. Creating a product or program can be very exciting! Before you start creating a product, you want to make sure you’re creating a product they will buy. Here’s eight questions to answer that will help you create the best product.

1. Who is your audience?
2. What is the topic?
3. What format will you use?
4. How much will you charge for your product?
5. How will you brand your product?
6. Who will help you create your product?
7. How are you going to market and promote your product?
8. What goes into a sales page?

   

Are You Creating Your Own Team?

I spoke to an entrepreneur today who was stressed out with all the things she needed to do in her business. It was clear by the sound of her voice that she needed help. Doing everything on her own was wearing her down and putting her into overwhelm. She’s a brilliant talented woman who wasn’t focusing on what she does best.

For most of us, it’s our passion that inspires us to go into business. We go into business with the strong desire to help people and make a difference in the world. But as we get more and more into our business, suddenly we realize there are many different hats we have to wear.

Although you realize bringing in business is a priority, all the things you have to do daily take you away from doing what you do best. Before long, you’re spending more time on the day-to-day tasks than on what will bring you in the most money.

You start off each day with a plan in place but early on you get side tracked by an unexpected situation. By the end of the day you realize you haven’t accomplished very much. You’re never going to grow your business trying to do many different things in your business. In addition, you have to focus more on doing tasks that you don’t enjoy doing.

I recently read a quote a friend of my posted on Facebook that sums it up. “A person’s most valuable currency is what comes naturally—if something isn’t easy, then don’t do it. You can’t override your feelings or ignore your core desires and expect to create something sustainable. When you let go of the activities that aren’t second nature, it opens up your creativity.” How true that is!

I can remember when I first started my business, I felt overwhelmed with all the tasks that needed to be done. I thought I was suppose to be super woman. I was doing work I didn’t like doing and it took longer to do because I wasn’t an expert. It didn’t leave me much time to do the work I loved.

As soon as I hired my first team member, I became more relaxed and more time opened up. I gave up the notion that I had to do it all. My creativity juices were brought back to life. I now reach out to my team of experts who help me in the areas I need help. I don’t always need them but I know they’re there when I do.

I invite you to do the same. Start by making a list of all your tasks. Next to each task, write your initial if it’s something you love to do or write an “x” if it can be delegated. Begin to create a team that you can reach out to help you who are experts. You’ll quickly see the difference it makes for you in your business.

Remember, you went into business because you’re good at what you do. Now it’s time to be doing what you do best.

If you would like to use this article on your website, or for your own ezine, not a problem; however, there’s one thing you MUST include: Rochelle Togo-Figa, The Sales Breakthrough Expert, is the creator of the Sales Breakthrough System™, a proven step-by-step sales process that will help you close more sales, sign on more clients and make more money with ease and velocity. To sign up for her free sales articles and teleclasses on closing more sales, visit http://www.salesbreakthroughs.com/.

It’s Time to Raise your Financial Self-Worth

I was recently on a call with a client who shared with me how she received all theses leads at an event she attended. I expected her to be excited with such a strong response. It was obvious by the number of leads she received that people needed her services. Yet, she was feeling frustrated and depressed. And, when I asked her why, she said, “Even if I get the business, I’m still not covering all my expenses.”

I felt so sad to hear this because she’s great at what she does and should be paid generously for her expertise. We went a little deeper and uncovered she was afraid to charge more because she had a low-worth mentality. She had worked many years as an employee. Although she was now a business owner, she was still thinking like an employee.

What she experienced is not uncommon for many people who leave the corporate arena to start their own businesses. It’s easy to sell a large ticket item when you work for someone else. But when it comes to stating your fee, you find yourself tongue tied and stumbling over what to say. Although you have a passion and desire to help your clients, and hope to be financially rewarded for doing that, your limiting belief about your self-worth determines how much to charge.

Here are some statements that show it’s time to raise your financial self-worth:

• You know in your heart you’re not charging enough.
• You’re afraid if you increase your fees you’ll lose the clients you have.
• People are telling you that you should be charging more.
• You don’t believe you deserve to charge more.
• You’re afraid to go after bigger clients.
• You’re not excited when you bring in a new client.
• You resent the time you give to some of your clients.
• You’re giving extra time to clients and feeling depleted.

If any of the above statements sound familiar and you want to turn them around, here are some ways to help you gain the confidence to raise your fees:

• Make a list of the results clients get from working with you. As you write this list, you’ll gain more confidence seeing the value you bring to your clients.
• Ask several current clients why they chose to work with you. You’ll be surprised and delighted by the reasons your clients hired you.
• Visualize clients happily paying you what you’re worth. The more clearly you can see clients paying you what you’re worth, the more real it becomes.
• Write down all the reasons you deserve to increase your fees. After you’ve written this list, read it over and over so you begin to see that you deserve to be paid what you’re worth.
• Ask your satisfied clients for testimonials and then read them periodically. This will increase your confidence when you read how much you’ve helped them.
• For each negative thought you have about raising your fees, change that thought to a powerful and positive thought. Instead of saying “If I raise my fees, my clients will leave, say, “I’m worthy of these fees and provide a valuable service to my clients.”
• Next practice saying your new fees over and over until the words come out as easily as saying your name.

Remember many of the people you’re dealing with are business owners just like you. They see their own costs going up and expect your fees to increase too.

Remember the client I mentioned earlier. After working with her to shift her beliefs and thoughts about increasing her fees, I received a call from her. She was so excited she could hardly speak. She said, “I just met with a new client, presented my new fees and she hired me! And, it was so EASY!” Everything shifted for her once she raised her self-worth.

If you would like to use this article on your website, or for your own ezine, not a problem; however, there’s one thing you MUST include: Rochelle Togo-Figa, The Sales Breakthrough Expert, is the creator of the Sales Breakthrough System™, a proven step-by-step sales process that will help you close more sales, sign on more clients and make more money with ease and velocity. To sign up for her free sales articles and teleclasses on closing more sales, visit http://www.salesbreakthroughs.com/.

Your Thoughts are Key to Closing More Sales!

The power of shifting the way we think is a principle that has been taught for decades by many well-known spiritual leaders. And, if you walk into any book store, you’ll see bookshelves lined with books about positive thinking. People are hungry to be free from negative thinking and want to be excited by what’s possible, yet learning how to apply this principle to their lives still eludes many.

In the course of the day we’re receiving thousands and thousands of thoughts. Many of the thoughts we have keep us playing small in life and from going after the things we want. It may seem as if we have no control over the thousands of thoughts that come into our mind. But, the truth is, we do have a say in what we think.

Consider that as human beings we are always in an ongoing conversation with ourselves. Notice the conversation you’re having with yourself when you’re sitting across from a client. As you get present to your own internal voice, you will see you are a person driven by that ongoing conversation. You’re driven by a little voice in your head that never shuts up. That voice in your head tells you who you are and what you can and can't do.

The voice never disappears; however, it doesn’t have to stop you. The voice that tells you, “you can’t do this” or “I’m not good at this stuff,” is made up by you. You’ve had those thoughts for so long, you actually believe they’re real. These repetitive thoughts become your negative beliefs. Here are some negative beliefs that may sound familiar to you.

I’m not good enough. I don’t have what it takes. Something is wrong with me. I’ll never succeed. I don’t like to sell. What if I fail?

I don’t know enough. Who will want what I offer? I’m a failure. I’m too disorganized. I’m not worth it. I can’t do this.

Are these negative beliefs real or did you make them up? How have they stopped you from taking action in the past and today?

Ask yourself, “What are the thoughts I’m creating right now?” Are you thinking about new ways to bring in business or are you thinking of reasons why you’re not bringing in enough business? Are you thinking of all the ways you help your clients or are you thinking you’re never going to be as successful as other entrepreneurs?

Studies have shown the mind is like a programming machine. And, whatever thought the mind hears over and over again believes it to be true. If that’s the case, why not change the negative belief to a positive belief? We can turn any negative thought we have into positive and powerful thoughts.

Here are some examples of how easily you can change some negative beliefs.

“They’ll think my fees are too high.” Your fear about charging higher fees has more to do with your own self worth than what people think. If you know in your heart you bring value to your clients, you’re worth it. To help you see your worth, make a list of everything you provide and all the benefits your clients get from working with you. Then read the list over so you can see the value you bring. If you believe you’re worth it, they will to!

“It’s hard for me to ask for referrals.” Often a thought like this will have an underlying belief such as “people don’t want to help me,” “people aren’t happy with my services,” or “I’m afraid I’ll appear too pushy.” How do you know they don’t want to help you, aren’t happy with your service, or will think you’re too pushy? We tend to get a rejection or two and conclude that people will not help us. Before you ask for the referral, say to yourself, “I did a good job for my client! They want to help me. I’m going to ask for a referral without being attached to a result.”

“Public speaking scares me to death.” Will you die if you speak in public? Is that really true? I haven’t seen it happen once, yet. What’s the really worst thing that could happen? Your presentation might bore some people. Could you handle that? With a little practice, don’t you think you’d improve? Of course you could. To ease your fear of speaking, you can build up your confidence by giving small presentations at your local library or your local community center.
Now, the more you say these thoughts to yourself and to others, they become real. Negative thoughts like “It’s hard for me to ask for referrals.” “I’m not good at managing my time.” “Public speaking scares me.” Every limiting thought becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. It’s true because you say it’s true. And, if you don’t question your thoughts, they will continue to control your destiny. You can change those thoughts.

The thoughts you have are the key to achieving everything you want in your life and business. You have within yourself the ability to change your thoughts and by doing that, you can achieve everything you need to bring in sales beyond your wildest dreams! When you start shifting your thinking, you’ll easily start attracting new clients and bringing in new business.

If you liked what you've read and want help in applying these steps to your business, I invite you to take your first step by signing up for a Breakthrough Strategy Session with me. If you're stuck in your business or frustrated you're not bringing in more sales, please stop suffering and call me. There is a solution! I will walk you through a step-by-step process that will give you clarity about the direction of your business, create a 180-degree turn around in your thinking about sales, and move you forward quickly. I will personally give you my one-on-one breakthrough strategies that fit you and your business. Click here to learn more.

If you would like to use this article on your website, or for your own ezine, not a problem; however, there’s one thing you MUST include: Rochelle Togo-Figa, The Sales Breakthrough Expert, is the creator of the Sales Breakthrough System™, a proven step-by-step sales process that will help you close more sales, sign on more clients and make more money with ease and velocity. To sign up for her free sales articles and teleclasses on closing more sales, visit http://www.salesbreakthroughs.com/.

5 Steps to Attracting More Sales Beyond Your Wildest Dreams

As entrepreneurs and business owners, we all have dreams of closing sales beyond our wildest dreams, signing up lots of clients, and making more money than we ever thought possible. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always happen as quickly as we’d like it to.

Many entrepreneurs and business owners come to me frustrated with their lack of sales, hoping to learn specific sales skills to turn around their businesses. They hope by learning new selling techniques, their sales will quickly grow and their businesses will flourish.

Some of my clients quickly apply the sales skills I teach, reaching extraordinary levels of success, while other clients reach minimal sales success. Why was this happening for some and not for the others? Both groups had the same level of experience, yet the level of success was significantly different.

At first, I was puzzled, frustrated, and saddened I could not make a difference for all my clients. Over time, it became clear I could share all my sales knowledge and show my clients everything I knew about sales; however, it was up to them to make it happen. I realized it took more than just learning the right sales skills; it took shifting the mindset.

A crucial key to unlocking unlimited abundance in business and life starts with shifting our inner mindset. Unfortunately, many people work really hard getting minimal sales results because of their mindset. On one hand, they want to break through their barriers. On the other hand, they allow their emotions to keep them from making the changes necessary to expand their businesses.
You can learn all the skills, techniques, and strategies; however, without a positive inner mindset, your financial success is limited. If you want to create an abundance of sales and clients coming to you, it starts with shifting your mindset.

When you shift your inner mindset, you make the decision to rewrite the way you think. By changing the way you think, you’re changing the direction of your life. You’re now becoming the author of your life. Then you’ll begin to attract everything you want with ease.

As a coach and mentor, I am always learning from my clients. I saw in my own business how I would reach a certain level of success and then stop. I knew deep in my heart I could achieve much more, yet I was afraid of taking the leap. So I started studying with the experts, taking personal growth workshops, and reading more self-growth books than I can keep count.

As I made these internal changes to my thinking, something magical began to happen. I began to appreciate what I have, started “being” in my business rather than “doing,” and let go of the worry. I’m now taking bigger steps in my business and following my purpose.  New opportunities are coming my way and it’s because I’m letting go of the fear.

From the journey I’ve taken and I’m happily still on, I saw there was a process I followed that opened me up to receiving abundance in my business. I’ve taken what I’ve learned and created 5 key steps to follow that will change how you are being in your business and help you easily attract an abundance of everything you want.

1. Shifting the Mindset. You must first believe you can. As soon as you have a doubt, fear, or worry, those feelings take away from believing. Your thoughts, emotions, and actions must be congruent with your belief so that the universe can give you what you want. Your thoughts and feelings create your reality.
2. The Power of Choice. You get to choose the direction you want your life to go. Through the power of choice, you decide how you want to create your life to be. What occurs in your life is not by accident. It’s a result of the choices you’ve made. Are you choosing to live your life powerfully or are you blaming others? Are you choosing to take responsibility for the growth of your business or are you blaming circumstances?
3. 100% Responsible. Responsibility starts with being accountable for every aspect of your life. When you can recognize, acknowledge, and own that you are responsible for your life, you experience a new level of freedom, power and ease in your life. When you’re being responsible, you’re no longer at the affect of any circumstances that come your way. There’s no complaining or blaming others. You know that the buck stops with you.
4. Moving Beyond What’s Stopping You. What have you been putting up with, tolerating, or trying to change? Whatever you put up with drains your energy and keeps you stuck in the same place. Do you make excuses for not going forward in your business? What’s the excuse really covering up? It’s probably an underlying fear that you’re holding onto. When you make the decision to move past where you’re stopped, all tolerations, excuses and fears will lose their power over you.
5. Letting Go of the Past. Are you letting past experiences keep you from moving forward? Some of our past experiences keep us from appreciating what we have in the present because we believe it will happen again. These experiences affect how we communicate, relate to others, grow our business, and even stop us from going after all the things we really want. By letting go of the past, you’re free to attract anything you want in your life and your business. You now have a blank slate from which to create anything and everything!

I believe by applying these steps to your business, you’ll begin to experience a shift in how you sell and interact with clients. You’re now becoming a master of the inner game of sales. I invite you to follow these steps to opening your mind to unlimited sales success. (I’m so certain that this is the pathway to creating your sales success that I’m currently creating a revolutionary new sales program that will change your mindset about selling forever…more details to come!)

If you would like to use this article on your website, or for your own ezine, not a problem; however, there’s one thing you MUST include: Rochelle Togo-Figa, The Sales Breakthrough Expert, is the creator of the Sales Breakthrough System™, a proven step-by-step sales process that will help you close more sales, sign on more clients and make more money with ease and velocity. To sign up for her free sales articles and teleclasses on closing more sales, visit http://www.salesbreakthroughs.com/.

Are You Tired of Being Out Priced by the Competition?

Are you losing business to the competition because they’re coming in at a lower price? Are your competitors telling the prospect they have the same exact product as you but for less money? This can be very frustrating when you know your product is superior yet the prospect is buying from them and not you.

If you’re nodding your head yes to these questions, then you’re not alone. Being “out priced” is happening more often now as people are being cautious about their spending. Yet, if you go into your local shopping mall or supermarket, you’ll see crowds of people buying. They still need services and are willing to pay for a quality product.

Today’s consumers have become more educated about buying with all the information available to them. They now have more knowledge about products than many of the people selling to them. You can no longer simply communicate information about your product and expect you have the sale.

Although you truly know in your heart your product is the best, there’s a lot more competition out there. You have to be willing to go the extra mile. You have to show them upfront the value they’re getting.

This means meeting face-to-face with the prospect to uncover their pain, identify the solution, show them how you’ll implement the solution, and how you and your product stand out from the competition.

Here are 4 steps to show the value the prospect receives from buying your product:

1. Uncover the pain: At your first meeting with prospects, help them to define a problem they may not fully understand or know they have by asking questions. Questions like “What’s your biggest challenge? What’s not working as well as you’d like it to? If you could wave a magic wand, what would you like to see happen differently in your business?”
2. Identify the solution: Help prospects identify a solution they didn’t know was available to them. Based on what they’ve shared with you, let them know the solution you have that will resolve their problem.
3. Present the solution process: Present and explain how you will implement the solution for them. Walk them through the all the steps, so they understand how the process works. Remind them of all the benefits they will experience after the problem is gone.
4. Differentiate yourself from the competition: Explain what makes you unique in the service you provide. Let them know what you do for them that sets you apart from your competition. This is where how and what you say really matters the most. Be willing to freely and powerfully say what makes you stand out from the others. People want to work with people who are confident and make them feel safe with and they can trust. You will win over the prospect when you speak authentically from your heart!

Yes, in some cases, low pricing will win out no matter what. Do not dwell on those situations…just move on. There are many people out there who want and need your product and are willing to pay for it.

If you liked what you've read and want help in applying these steps to your business, I invite you to take your first step by signing up for a Breakthrough Strategy Session with me. If you're stuck in your business or frustrated you're not bringing in more sales, please stop suffering and call me. There is a solution! I will walk you through a step-by-step process that will give you clarity about the direction of your business, create a 180-degree turn around in your thinking about sales, and move you forward quickly. I will personally give you my one-on-one breakthrough strategies that fit you and your business.
Click here to learn more.

If you would like to use this article on your website, or for your own ezine, not a problem; however, there’s one thing you MUST include: Rochelle Togo-Figa, The Sales Breakthrough Expert, is the creator of the Sales Breakthrough System™, a proven step-by-step sales process that will help you close more sales, sign on more clients and make more money with ease and velocity. To sign up for her free sales articles and teleclasses on closing more sales, visit http://www.salesbreakthroughs.com/.

Let’s Beat Out the Competition Once and For All

Have you ever lost the sale because the prospect decided to go with your competitor? In the world of business, there will always be other businesses competing with you for your customers.

Is there a way to decrease losing business to the competitor and increase the chances of them choosing you? Absolutely! It starts with knowing, understanding, researching, and learning from your competitors.

Here are 8 steps to help you learn more about your competitors:

1. Identify who your top competitors are.
2. What services they offer.
3. What services they do not offer.
4. How much they charge.
5. Who they target their marketing to.
6. How they find clients.
7. How they position themselves in the marketplace.
8. What their strengths and weaknesses are.

Invest some time in studying and learning from your top competitors, especially the successful ones.

After completing Steps 1-8, you can now identify, create, and offer new ways to present your product that your competitor isn’t doing.

This includes offering services they're not offering, creatively packaging your fees and services, providing benefits they don’t, finding ways to better market your services, and positioning your services against their strengths and weaknesses.

Let me say a little bit more about “strengths and weaknesses.” An effective way to learn about your competition in depth, and position yourself against them, is to do what is called a ‘SWOT” analysis. SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.

There are many ways to uncover information about your competition for their SWOT analysis. Here are a just a few:

• Search the company website. You’ll be surprised how much you can learn about them.
• Walk into their place of business, or have a friend walk in, and be a potential customer. Observe how they help you and ask questions.
• Ask them to send you their marketing or media kit.
• Sign up for their newsletter or ezine.
• Use Internet search engines to find out information (google.com).
• Look in local newspapers or trade magazines.
• Interview their past clients.
• Use a business website (hoovers.com) to learn about the financial state of the company.

You’ve now done your research and have enough information about the competitor to create their SWOT analysis.

Every company and person has strengths and weaknesses, including you. It’s just as important to know your strengths and weaknesses as it is to know your competitors. You’re in a better position to sell against the competition if you have a clear picture of how you compare to them.

The next step is to create your S.W.O.T analysis for your business. Now take both S.W.O.T. analyses and compare them, survey the similarities and differences, and think of new ways to market your business. For example, you may have noticed they offer lower prices. Look for creative ways to repackage your pricing. You could offer a payment plan, lower your prices by removing a service, or offer a special discount for a limited time.

With all the knowledge you’ve gathered, you now have all the confidence you need to powerfully differentiate yourself and win over the business.

ASSIGNMENT:

• Create a S.W.O.T. analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) for a competitor and do the same for yourself.
• List 3-5 ways you could market your services that would take full advantage of your competitor’s weaknesses.

If you would like to use this article on your website, or for your own ezine, not a problem; however, there’s one thing you MUST include: Rochelle Togo-Figa, The Sales Breakthrough Expert, is the creator of the Sales Breakthrough System™, a proven step-by-step sales process that will help you close more sales, sign on more clients and make more money with ease and velocity. To sign up for her free sales articles and teleclasses on closing more sales, visit http://www.salesbreakthroughs.com/.

The Sales are in the Follow-Up

One of the most effective ways in getting more business is following up with the prospect. Sadly, 80% of sales opportunities are missed because people do not follow up consistently. Studies have shown that most prospects, who do not buy short-term, usually make a purchase within 12 months. When they make the purchase, it's going to be with the person who stays in touch with them on a consistent basis. Prospects do business with people they know, trust, and who understand their needs.
Some of the reasons salespeople don't follow up are:

• There is no organized system in place.
• They're afraid they'll appear too pushy.
• They're afraid they'll be rejected.
• They don't know what to say.
• They call once or twice, and move on to the next thing.

Here's the good news—although for some of you it may seem like bad news! It takes 7-10 follow-ups to close the sale. Yes, that's the truth. So if you're routinely giving up after 2-3 tries, you're giving up way too soon. They may not be ready to buy from you now, but if you remain fresh in their minds you'll be the one they'll buy from when they are ready.
Here are 6 easy and simple ways for turning follow-up into sales:

1. Create Follow-Up Systems
   Select a follow-up system for tracking your accounts that works for you. There are several systems that help you track your accounts efficiently and effectively.

• A personal computer. There are contact management programs designed for organizing and tracking your accounts. ACT, Goldmine and Outlook have contact management programs.
• A notebook. Use a single sheet in your notebook for each client and enter the dates of your calls along with notes. Keep your top 10-20 hot prospects in the front of your notebook, alphabetized by client name.
• The old-fashion tickler system. Set up your folders numerically by dates starting with 1-31. Use a single sheet for each new prospect, and write down the name, phone numbers, address, email address, and any pertinent notes about the account. Then file it in your tickler file system by date of your next contact with them.
• A business card file. Although the space is limited, you can write tiny notes on the card. The card file can be used before information is entered on computer.

2. Follow-Up Sales Tools
   It's pretty standard to use the telephone and e-mail for those 7-10 follow-ups with a prospect. Begin to embrace other ways of staying visible to the prospect over a period of time.
   
   Some other tools that work are sending letters, faxes, brochures and literature. Be creative and use testimonial letters from satisfied clients, invite them to a seminar or to lunch, send them a small item with your company name printed on it, or if appropriate, give tickets to a sports event, the theater or a seminar.
3. Touch Base Email
   It may take 7-10 touches to close the business, so don’t give up. Writing a “soft” touch base email is a non-pressure way of letting prospects know you’re thinking of them.
   
   Email the prospect you are thinking of them. Remind them they did express interest in your product or service. Let them now you’d be happy to meet and specify a time you’re available to talk. Let them know if they’re not ready that it’s perfectly fine with you, and you’re there for them when they are.
4. Personalize Your Follow Up
   There are numerous ways to personalize your follow-up contact with the prospect. You can write a hand-written note thanking them for the meeting, or inviting them to meet for coffee or lunch. A hand-written note is a personal touch the prospect will appreciate in a world that’s becoming more and more electronic.
5. Develop the Habit of Persistence
   The key ingredient to effective follow-up is persistence. Persistence with the right attitude leads to more business. With persistence, obstacles and problems can't stop you and most importantly, other people can't stop you.
   
   Your ability to follow up will determine your success in sales.
6. Don't Get Stopped by NO
   You have to be willing to do what it takes to move past the seventh "no" or "I'm not ready yet" to get the sale. A "no" is nothing personal. The prospect is saying "no" to the product, not to you. Think about the fact that when you really want something important to you, nothing stands in the way. Why not bring those same qualities to your business? How many "No's" are you willing to take before you give up the sale?

ASSIGNMENT:

• Make a list of prospects you’ve met with, who expressed interest but did not buy from you. They may have told you they weren’t ready or maybe didn’t even tell you why.
• Select one of the follow-up systems to track your prospects. Then set up a schedule of dates when you'll be following up with them and enter those dates in your system.
• Select any of the sales tools listed and decide when you'll use these tools.
• Send “soft touch base” emails to these prospects. Make sure the email you write is friendly, brief and non-pressuring.
• Write a personal hand-written note to several prospects letting them know you enjoyed meeting them and invite them to meet for coffee or tea.
• Be organized, creative, and persistent and don't get stopped by "No." Remember it takes 7-10 follow-ups to close the sale!

If you would like to use this article on your website, or for your own ezine, not a problem; however, there’s one thing you MUST include: Rochelle Togo-Figa, The Sales Breakthrough Expert, is the creator of the Sales Breakthrough System™, a proven step-by-step sales process that will help you close more sales, sign on more clients and make more money with ease and velocity. To sign up for her free sales articles and teleclasses on closing more sales, visit http://www.salesbreakthroughs.com/.

6 Simple Ways to Make Your Clients Feel Special and Have Them Wanting More

I recently spoke to an entrepreneur who told me she had signed up for a program and soon after she signed up she received a phone call from one of the people leading the program to thank her for signing up. She was so impressed they took the time to call and personally thank her.

Now she’s feeling confident she made the right decision and excited to get started. She’s going to get a lot more value from the program because she’s feeling taken care of. And, if she continues to have the same positive experience throughout the program, she’ll purchase another program or product from them. They now have a long-term client. All of these wonderful results from one short phone call thanking her for signing up for their program.

How does exceptional customer service affect a business? You gain a long-term client who will buy more, a happy client will tell other people (just as she told me), and those people may become clients too.

So what are you doing differently to take care of your clients? During these times, people are spending but they’re more cautious about where they’re putting their money. There’s a lot of competition out there. If you want to retain your clients and have them buying more, you have to stand out from the crowd by doing things differently.

Here are 6 simple ways to make your clients feel special and have them buying more:

1. Pick up the phone, call your clients, and thank them for their business. This personal touch is easy to do and shows you genuinely appreciate their business.
2. If you’re having an event, invite them to come “free,” or if you’re attending an event that you think they might be interested in attending, invite them to come as your guest.
3. Send them a token of appreciation, for no reason, other than that you appreciate having them as a client. You could send a book, something yummy, or some small gift.
4. Call them during the year to see how they’re doing and how you can help them. Calling for no other reason than to let them know you’re thinking about them will set you apart from many of your competitors.
5. Invite your clients to a “Client Appreciation” luncheon or tea. Choose a restaurant or café and invite your favorite clients. You're going the extra mile and they'll appreciate you for doing this.
6. Send them a short note, letting them know you value and appreciate their business. It doesn’t take much to write a short note of appreciation and the rewards you’ll get back from your clients are priceless.

I received a magnet with a beautiful quote engraved on it from a colleague. I was so touched that she took the time to send this to me. This small gift made my day. It wasn’t expensive or extravagant, yet it was the perfect gift.

I’m sure you can come up with other extra special ways to make your clients feel special. But are you making the time to do it? The point is that by going the extra mile, you’re creating clients who will feel taken care of. They, in turn, will tell other people who will tell other people. Just as I’m telling you. Before you know it, your clients will be buying more from you and you’ll be attracting new clients too. These simple steps can keep your clients forever and attract even more.

If you would like to use this article on your website, or for your own ezine, not a problem; however, there’s one thing you MUST include: Rochelle Togo-Figa, The Sales Breakthrough Expert, is the creator of the Sales Breakthrough System™, a proven step-by-step sales process that will help you close more sales, sign on more clients and make more money with ease and velocity. To sign up for her free sales articles and teleclasses on closing more sales, visit http://www.salesbreakthroughs.com/.

What’s Your Authentic Selling Style?

When we think about selling, for some of us the image of the stereotype pushy salesperson comes to mind. The first thought we have is someone is trying to get me to buy something. None of us likes to be sold. We become distrustful and will quickly say, “I’m not interested.” Do you have to be like the pushy used car salesman to be successful in Sales? ABSOLUTELY NOT!

We all have different selling styles.

Have you ever watched someone speak and find yourself listening to every word they say? You don’t know the person, yet there’s something about them that draws you to them. It happens because they’re being genuine and real. They’re being themselves.

Before I identified my authentic sales style, I wondered what other successful salespeople were doing that I wasn’t? I was working really hard and producing average results while they seemed to be bringing in the sales effortlessly.

Then, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I had no choice but to slow down and let go of trying so hard. When I slowed down, I became connected to my true self. The more natural, spontaneous, authentic, and from the heart I was with people, the more I began to notice things starting to come to me with ease.

It was almost magical. I became genuinely interested in people and started listening to what they said. I created a relationship with them based on trust and they responded to this. I began to attract more clients and close more sales. I had found my authentic selling style!

Being successful in sales doesn’t come from being slick or pushy, or copying someone else’s selling style. That never works because people can sense you’re not yourself. The key is to let go of trying to be what you’re not and trust yourself.

As you begin to trust yourself and let go, you’ll feel more confident, relaxed, and have fun! You’ll see how attractive this is to the people you meet.

A client came to me because she felt she had lost her focus in her business. She wasn’t closing as many sales as she had the year before and wasn't feeling confident. Unsure of what steps to take, I had her narrow down her focus to three goals, clarify who her ideal client was, and identify her authentic selling style. As she began applying these steps, she felt less overwhelmed, had clarity on who she wanted to work with, and increased confidence selling her services. This came across in her interactions with prospects, and in less than a month she closed 2 big sales.

Sales success begins with being yourself. It really is as simple as that. The prospect will come to you because they’re attracted to your authenticity. When you’re being real, your honesty and trust shines through, and people are drawn to you.

Let’s define what selling really is. Once you begin to uncover your own authentic selling style, you’ll start closing more business faster and with ease. Here are 9 ways to get you started:

1. Selling is no longer being the slick, aggressive, and pushy salesperson.
2. Selling is being more interested in the prospect than in what you have to say.
3. Selling is creating a trusting and honest relationship with the prospect.
4. Selling is being a keen listener and listening for what’s most important to the prospect.
5. Selling is thinking of ways of helping the prospect.
6. Selling is going the extra mile and doing the unexpected for the prospect.
7. Selling is showing you genuinely want to help them get to where they want to go.
8. Selling is making yourself easily accessible to your clients either by phone or email.
9. Selling is trusting who you are and being yourself. Remember, you are unique and special just as you are, so let that shine through!

If you would like to use this article on your website, or for your own ezine, not a problem; however, there’s one thing you MUST include: Rochelle Togo-Figa, The Sales Breakthrough Expert, is the creator of the Sales Breakthrough System™, a proven step-by-step sales process that will help you close more sales, sign on more clients and make more money with ease and velocity. To sign up for her free sales articles and teleclasses on closing more sales, visit http://www.salesbreakthroughs.com/.

7 Sure-Fire Ways to Connect with the Right People

Early on in my business, I was networking with everyone with no special focus. When I first started my business, I was a “Jill of all trades.” My business was new and I was open to coaching anyone who asked. I was doing this because I was eager to help people, grow my business, and hone my coaching skills
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As time went by, I realized I was spreading myself too thin and instead of my business growing, it was starting to decline. I knew if I was going to grow my business, I had to get out there and connect with the right people. It wasn’t going to happen by sitting in front of my computer in my sweats thinking about it.

If I intended to network with the right people, I needed a clear and specific plan to follow. In the past, I would push myself to go to an event without much preparation. I was flying by the seat of my pants, hoping for the best. It was no surprise I dreaded networking and didn’t accomplish very much.

So, I asked myself “What could I be doing differently?” To begin with, I needed to know:

• Who do I want to meet?
• Where do they gather?
• What do I want to accomplish from networking?
• Where are the best places to network?
• What do I say to grab their attention?
• What happens after I leave the event?

From answering these questions, I created a 7-step networking plan that works every time.
With this plan, you now know what to do before, during, and after attending a networking event. You’ll be prepared and confident that you’ll walk away having connected with the right people. And, when you connect with the right people who need your product, an abundance of business will start coming your way. Here are the 7 steps to follow:

1. Your Networking Pie
   There are many different places to network. Open up your local business journal and see all the places there are to network. Draw a circle and divide the circle into pieces of a pie. For each slice, write a place where you can network. Some examples are weekly networking groups, business associations, the local Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Clubs, special interest groups.
2. Be a Detective
   Contact the person in charge of the event and find out who’s attending. Then go on the Internet and research them. Maybe they’re launching a new product or have achieved a great sales year. With the information you find, you now have something to say that will grab their attention.
3. Set Your Intention
   Put your attention on your intention. Create specific goals of what you intend to accomplish. Schedule in your planner the number of networking events you will attend monthly and how many people you will meet. And, no matter what, do what you say you’re going to do.
4. Grab Their Attention Immediately
   First impressions happen in the first 30 seconds. Create a compelling 30-second statement that will have the person sitting up and listening. It should clearly state a benefit for the person you are meeting. Write it out and practice with several different introductions until you feel comfortable.
5. Ask Them for Help
   After I ask them questions about their business. If I determine they’re not the decision maker, I ask the person a couple of questions. “Who’s in charge of sales,” followed by, “I’m wondering if you can help me?” It removes any pressure when you ask for their help and people do want to help. I recently attended a networking event and asked these questions. I was given the name of the president, called him and we have an appointment to meet. That was easy and simple to do!
6. Build Relationships
   People do business with people they know, like and trust, and that takes time. Take the time to ask them questions about their business. Show you’re genuinely interested in them. The most rewarding business relationships evolve over time so be willing to keep in touch. Find various ways to keep in touch other than the phone.
7. Follow Up
   Any substantial business I’ve received from networking didn’t happen overnight. It happened because I was persistent and didn’t give up. Make contact with the person you’ve met within 24 hours of meeting them. Expect that it will take at least 6 encounters or more to move the prospect to the next step. Send a personal follow-up note, a thank you, a congratulations note, or a relevant article of information.

ASSIGNMENT:

• Select at least 2 networking events you will attend this month and write the dates in your planner. Most networking groups allow you come as a visitor a couple of times.
• Make a decision to join at least (1) networking group that meets weekly. I recommend a weekly networking group because they’ll get to know you faster on a weekly basis, and start giving you business more quickly.
• Write down clear and measurable goals of what you intend to accomplish at your next networking event.
• Create your compelling 30-second statement. It should include who you are, what you do, and what makes you unique. Write it out and practice saying it until you can say it with confidence and enthusiasm.

If you would like to use this article on your website, or for your own ezine, not a problem; however, there’s one thing you MUST include: Rochelle Togo-Figa, The Sales Breakthrough Expert, is the creator of the Sales Breakthrough System™, a proven step-by-step sales process that will help you close more sales, sign on more clients and make more money with ease and velocity. To sign up for her free sales articles and teleclasses on closing more sales, visit http://www.salesbreakthroughs.com/.

8 Easy Steps to Eliminate the Non-Serious Buyer (Once and For All)

A client was disappointed she hadn’t brought in any new clients in several weeks. She was frustrated she had set up 8 appointments and hadn’t closed one. She had set high expectations and was upset with the results. We’ve all been there, so we know how it feels to anticipate closing business and then it doesn’t happen.

As she and I discussed the situation, several things started to open up. Although she had scheduled 8 appointments, early on 2 of the people had cancelled and 2 didn’t want to spend the money. These 4 people were non-serious buyers. The good news was the other 4 were definitely interested.

In fact, one of the people she met liked her authentic sales style so much that she was invited to attend a party where she could network with many more potential clients. She may not have closed the sale on the first appointment as she had hoped; however, she gained much more. She still had the possibility of closing this sale and an opportunity to meet many more potential clients.

It’s unlikely you will close most of your sales on the first appointment. There is an emotional process that people go through when making a buying decision. People do business with who they get to know, like and trust. You have to be patient and willing to nurture the business relationship.

To guide the customer through the sales process and create a long-lasting business relationship begins by authentically communicating, being genuinely interested in the other person, and giving up any attachment you have to the outcome.

As we reviewed her appointments, we looked to see what was missing that could be put in for the next time. She thought the problem was she didn’t know how to close the sale. That wasn’t the problem. What was missing was doing the preparation work before the sales meeting to eliminate non-serious buyers. If she had done the preparation work, those 4 non-serious buyers would have been eliminated early on.

If you want to be well prepared for your sales appointment and close sales faster, I have 8 steps to follow that will move the sales appointment to a sales close.

1. Set specific and realistic goals of what you want to accomplish.
2. Go in with the intention of closing the sale, but let go of any attachment to the outcome (and how it should look).
3. Send a letter or email before the meeting outlining what will be covered at the meeting.
4. Call to confirm the meeting. At that time ask qualifying questions to uncover their budget, make sure you’re meeting with the decision maker, and find out how long they’ve been looking.
5. Make a list for yourself of anticipated questions and responses.
6. Make a list for yourself of anticipated objections and responses.
7. Practice your presentation out loud.
8. Practice your responses to the questions and objections.

Golden opportunities are all around us. Sometimes they’re hidden from our view because we think things should look a certain way and when they don’t, we’re disappointed. I invite you to let go of how it should look and turn every challenge into a golden opportunity.

If you would like to use this article on your website, or for your own ezine, not a problem; however, there’s one thing you MUST include: Rochelle Togo-Figa, The Sales Breakthrough Expert, is the creator of the Sales Breakthrough System™, a proven step-by-step sales process that will help you close more sales, sign on more clients and make more money with ease and velocity. To sign up for her free sales articles and teleclasses on closing more sales, visit http://www.salesbreakthroughs.com/.

Ready to Create 2012 to be Your Best Sales Year Ever?

As we move into 2012, now is the time to decide what you want your business to look like. Look at what you have in your business now. If you don’t like what you see, you can change it. If you want to achieve bigger goals, you can do it. It starts by stepping outside your business, looking at how you’ve been doing business, and then creating a new vision of what you want your business to be. You can accomplish much more when you have a clear and concise sales plan.

Let me share a story about my client, Ann. She’s the owner of a growing tile business. Ann came to me because she wasn’t closing enough sales—she was overwhelmed with the details of running a business. Instead of running her business, she felt as though her business was running her. Her lack of focus and direction was hindering her productivity and slowing down her sales growth.

Ann had big dreams for growing her business. She wanted to design a brochure, build a website, and sign on more clients. However, all the details that arise for solopreneurs can often push our dreams into the realm of “maybe someday.” So early in the coaching relationship, Ann and I created a detailed plan of everything that she wanted to accomplish.

We started with Ann creating a clear vision of what she wanted her business to look like. I had her answer these questions, “What is it I really want to do? Am I doing the work I really love or am I doing what others expect of me?” In order to create her vision, she needed to put her business owner hat on, step back, and see the whole picture. It’s not uncommon to get caught up in the “doing” of our business and lose sight of seeing a bigger picture, including all of our dreams and goals.

She then listed and clarified all her goals and indicated next to each goal the date to reach the goal. We then defined action steps for each goal, with a due date next to each action step. We looked at all of the steps and we listed, by priority, which steps she needed to tackle first. Creating due dates for her goals and action steps, gave Ann a clear and specific plan by when they would be accomplished.

Immediately, Ann felt energized and excited. Finally, she was focused and had gained clarity. She was able to envision each of the steps on the way to each of her goals. With her new plan in place, Ann completed her brochure, implemented her new website, and actively began pursuing new clients. She felt a sense of accomplishment seeing all the projects she’d been working on for several years finally being completed. Ann is now running her business with confidence, guided by a clear vision of what she needs to do going forward. By anchoring herself and grounding herself, she became the image of success she’d dreamed of.

I’m sure many of you can relate to Ann’s story. You’re strong in certain areas, but in other areas you’re totally overwhelmed with all the things involved in running a business. When you create a clear, specific plan and stick to it, you cease to be overwhelmed and make tremendous strides towards realizing your vision.

The wonderful thing about having a plan is gaining a sense of control over the direction of your business and life. With a plan, you steer your business in the direction you want it to go. You are no longer caught up in the details of the day-to-day work.

Here are 9 simple steps to create your own comprehensive plan towards achieving your sales success:

1. Create your vision: Take a good look at your business. Maybe it’s time to change your vision. Are you doing what you really want to do? What is it you want to accomplish? What is it you provide? When you begin to answer these questions, you’re creating a clear vision of what you want to accomplish.
2. See the whole picture: Much too often, we are caught up in the every day details of our business rather than seeing the whole picture. Make the time to step back from the “doing” and see the whole picture of what you want to achieve.
3. Clarify your goals: Goals are the pathway to getting to where you want to take your business. Make a list of all the goals you want to accomplish and ensure they relate to your business.
4. Clear and specific goals: As you write your goals, are they as clear and specific as possible? This means projecting sales revenue numbers, percentages, number of new clients, etc.
5. Action steps: To fulfill each of your goals, there must be an action step connected to the goal. The action step is the “doing” part of your plan. Without taking action, the goal is just a good idea.
6. Due dates: To ensure you reach your goal sooner than later, list a due date to reach your goal and do the same for each action step. This eliminates procrastination because you’re committing to a deadline to reach your goal.
7. Prioritize: Take a good look at each goal and list the goals that matter most first. Prioritize the top 3 goals as “A” goals. This means you want to achieve these goals in the next 90 days.
8. Just do it: Now that you’ve created a plan, it’s time to work your plan. Do what you said you would do, when you said you would do it. As Nike says, “Just do it!” 97% of people write goals and never take action. If you want this to be your best year ever, be in the 3% who take action and reach their goals!
9. Persevere: Do not allow anything to get in the way of fulfilling your plan and reaching your goals. No matter what life throws at you, keep your eye on your plan and persevere.

Now is a good time to begin to create your sales plan. Follow the 9 steps and begin to design your plan. With a comprehensive sales plan in place, you’re ready to hit the ground running in 2012!

If you would like to use this article on your website, or for your own ezine, not a problem; however, there’s one thing you MUST include: Rochelle Togo-Figa, The Sales Breakthrough Expert, is the creator of the Sales Breakthrough System™, a proven step-by-step sales process that will help you close more sales, sign on more clients and make more money with ease and velocity. To sign up for her free sales articles and teleclasses on closing more sales, visit http://www.salesbreakthroughs.com/.

Make Your Customers Raving Fans

One of the best ways to increase your sales and keep customers for life is simply thanking them for their business. Your customers are the life blood of your business.

When a customer has a bad experience, the word spreads quickly. They tell 13 people, who tell 4 people, for a total of 52 people. When a customer has a good experience, they will tell others, but not as many as an unsatisfied customer will.
It seems easy to thank your customers for their business, yet many business owners do not take the time to do this. Typically, we sign up a new customer, think the job’s done and off we go looking for our next new customer.
Of all the products and services you purchased and all the companies you patronized in the last month, when was the last time someone told you they appreciated your business? Probably not often, if at all.

Here’s a story that says it all…

A young boy was working at the local market as a grocery clerk. This was his first job and he wanted to be the best grocery clerk they ever had. He thought if he greeted customers with a big “hello,” they would leave with a big smile. To his surprise many of the customers would say very little back to him or nothing at all. This made him very sad. He wondered why were they so glum?

He thought hard and long about what he could do to cheer them up. Suddenly, it came to him. Maybe they don’t feel appreciated. He knew many of them had been shopping at the market for years. When was the last time the store manager, cashier, or grocery clerk thanked them for their business?
So, he went home and on small pieces of paper he wrote…”Thank you for being a loyal customer and shopping at our market. We appreciate your business. Have a great day!” He then dropped each note into the customers’ shopping bags as they were leaving. Well, you can imagine their surprise when they found this little note of appreciation.

Customers started coming into the market smiling. Many went up to John shaking his hand to personally thank him for making their day. And, they started raving to all their friends about the personalized service they received.

Soon after more and more people started shopping at this little market because they felt appreciated. Just a simple note made such a big impact. The little market became the most popular market in the area. The store manager couldn’t thank John enough and soon he was promoted.
So what did John do that made such a difference?

• He went the extra mile for the customer.
• He wrote a personalized note of appreciation.
• He cared first about the customer.
• He took the time to thank the customer for their business.
• He was creative in his thinking.

When was the last time you did that for your customer?

It doesn’t take a lot of time to show your customers how much you appreciate their business. What you get back is worth gold. Happy customers become your referral resource, your raving fans forever, and customers for life.

Here’s 10 easy and simple ways to show customer appreciation. Choose one that will work for your business and give it a try.

1. Send “thank you for your business” cards throughout the year, not just at the holidays.
2. Make a note of clients’ birthdays, anniversaries, children’s birthdays, special events and send cards.
3. Send personal hand-written notes and articles of interest.
4. Design a Customer Appreciation Plan to reward loyal customers.
5. Send different gifts—it’s not the size, it’s the thought that counts.
6. Call loyal customers to let them know you appreciate their business.
7. Call new customers thanking them for choosing you.
8. Survey customers to see what they like and what they don’t like about doing business.
9. Periodically touch base with customers to let them know about events, new products, invitation for lunch, to visit your office.
10. Every day thank a customer for his or her business.

Remember that customers are our lifeblood. Every day tell a customer you do care about them and appreciate his or her business.

If you would like to use this article on your website, or for your own ezine, not a problem; however, there’s one thing you MUST include: Rochelle Togo-Figa, The Sales Breakthrough Expert, is the creator of the Sales Breakthrough System™, a proven step-by-step sales process that will help you close more sales, sign on more clients and make more money with ease and velocity. To sign up for her free sales articles and teleclasses on closing more sales, visit www.SalesBreakthroughs.com.

Build A Powerful Referral Network and They Will Come

As solo business owners, we sometimes feel like “Lone Rangers” on our own, trying to figure out ways to bring in more clients. A business owner’s survival and growth depends largely on bringing in new clients. Who wants to be alone on the range, single-handedly trying to figure out how to bring in clients and expand business? That takes tremendous energy, hard work and producing average results.

Instead of operating on your own, there are ways to creating a sales force of people happy to refer business to you. Think about how big companies increase their sales. They have large sales forces out there selling their products. The sales people are educated about the product, calling on prospects, and paid commissions based on the number of accounts they bring in. One of the differences between a big company and you is that YOU are the “one”. You are your sales force, that is, if you operate as a “Lone Ranger.”

An effective way of creating your sales force, is through your referral network. A referral network is a group of people who already know you, understand your business, and can refer people interested in buying your product or service. With a powerful referral network, an unlimited flow of quality prospects start coming to you quickly and effortlessly. You never have to cold-call again! This is the easiest and most effective way to establish an ongoing stream of warm leads.

Building a referral network begins with educating people you already know, your clients, colleagues, friends and people you meet. You want to clearly articulate what you do, who your ideal client is, how your product or service helps your clients, and what’s unique about working with you. Once these people are educated about your product, they become your own “sales force”. But just like any sales force, it helps to motivate them to sell by giving them something special as a thank you.

Consider offering a referral fee or a special gift to those people who refer business to you. People will be motivated to refer business to you, if they’re rewarded for it. I know, as a sales person, what motivated me the most to bring in those sales was the commission check I received at the end of the month. And, I still love receiving those checks. I’ve been referring business to a colleague, and I’m delighted when I receive a thank you note and check from him. It’s an incentive to think of other people who can benefit from his service.

By organizing a healthy referral network, you’re going to be able to rely on other people out in the world, all educated about the merits of your product or service, willing to become your marketing machine.

Here are six steps to follow that will help you set up a powerful referral network:

1. Change Your Mindset: Some people hesitate when it comes to asking for referral business. They have thoughts like “They won’t want to help me,” or “How do I even ask?” Before you project these fears, step back and consider. If a customer’s satisfied with you, they’re delighted to help you out. Also, people in your personal and professional circle who believe in you, want to help you grow.
2. Be Proactive: A satisfied customer is happy to help you but don’t expect them to offer. Rather than waiting for them to offer referrals, ask, because more than likely, they don’t think to offer. Occasionally, they may say to you “I told my friend about you.” It’s really great when that happens, but don’t rely on it. As a business owner, it’s your responsibility to ask.
3. Write What You Want to Say: To help you gain confidence, write the words you want to say. Then practice saying it aloud until you’re comfortable with it. We all feel uncomfortable doing something new. It’s just like going to the health club and working out. You have to use that muscle over and over again in order to build strength. It’s the same thing with asking for referrals.
4. When to Ask a Client: The best time to ask a client for a referral is immediately after you’ve received a compliment, and/or once the sale is closed. Once your client utters the words, “I’m happy working with you. I really have enjoyed this.” That’s your cue to ask if there’s anyone else they know who would benefit in the same way from your services. Don’t wait for them to get back to you with the names because they probably won’t. Set up another time to follow up with them for the referrals’ names and phone numbers.
5. Referrals Fees: Establish a referral program whereby people receive a referral fee or special gift for the people they refer to you. Let your referral network know in advance what they can expect in return for their referrals. Create a referral program you can send to your referral network and post on your website. Giving referrals works both ways. If people refer business to you, tell them you will do the same for them.
6. Keep Track: Once the steady flow of referrals starts coming in, it’s time to start managing all these leads in an organized manner. There are several software programs designed to you help track your business and referrals. Outlook, ACT and Goldmine are several software programs to check out.

ASSIGNMENT:

• Write a clear and compelling message of what you do, who your ideal client is, how your product or service helps your clients, and what’s unique about working with you.
• Practice saying it aloud until you comfortable saying the words.
• Start calling the people in your personal and professional circle, educate them about what you do, and invite them to be part of your “Referral Network.”
• Ask a colleague or friend to role play being the client and practice “asking for a referral.”
• Create a “referral fee or special gift” program you can start offering to your clients, colleagues, friends, and people you meet.

© All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission from Rochelle Togo-Figa, Professional Sales Coach, is prohibited.

If you would like to use this article on your website, or for your own ezine, not a problem; however, there’s one thing you MUST include: Rochelle Togo-Figa, The Sales Breakthrough Expert, is the creator of the Sales Breakthrough System™, a proven step-by-step sales process that will help you close more sales, sign on more clients and make more money with ease and velocity. To sign up for her free sales articles and teleclasses on closing more sales, visit www.SalesBreakthroughs.com.

It’s Time to Share YOUR Story

I’m leading a teleseries to an amazing group of entrepreneurs and coaches who are learning how to powerfully speak to groups. One of the topics that have made the biggest impact is teaching them how to share their personal story with the audience.

And, as I thought about this topic, I realized that sharing your personal story is not only for when you speak to groups, it has the same powerful impact when you’re meeting with a prospect or a client. When you’re willing to open up your heart and reveal who you really are, prospects and clients feel instantly connected to you.

We all have a personal story to tell about our journey through life. Many of us had to deal with challenges at different times in our lives. Your personal story has made you who you are today. The people who inspire me the most are the ones who freely share their personal story of struggle and victory with us.

Oprah Winfrey has openly shared about the struggles and abuse she overcame growing up to become one of the most powerful women in the world. We listen to her story and what she’s accomplished, and we’re inspired to follow our dreams.

Sometimes we cover up our story because we want others to think we have it all handled. But most of us have had to overcome something along the way. In fact, the challenges we’ve had to deal with make us the person we are today.

When you’re willing to share the struggles and challenges you’ve faced, people are quickly drawn to you because you’re being authentic. They can easily relate to you because they see you’ve had similar challenges.

One of the most powerful assets you can use to attract more clients is sharing your personal story. When you share your personal story about how you overcame your challenges, you provide them with inspiration that THEY can do it too!

The easiest and fastest way to draw people to you is when you authentically share yourself. Start your talk by sharing a personal story of how you became who you are today. When you share something personal about yourself, they feel more connected to you. You’re showing them you’re no different than they are. They can relate to you more quickly through your story and that’s going to draw them to you.

Show your vulnerability by speaking about your struggles, how you overcame your challenges, and the life lessons you learned. We’ve all had to deal with personal and professional challenges in the course of our lives. When we hear true stories of courage and victory, we’re inspired and believe we can go after the things we want too.

They listen to your story and what you’ve overcome, and say to themselves “If she or he did that, so can I!” I’ve had many people come up to me after I’ve shared my personal story of overcoming breast cancer and how it changed my life, and tell me how it’s inspired them.

Tell your story vividly and specifically. As you tell your story, speak in the present tense. Share your story as if it’s happening right now in the present moment. Convey excitement and enthusiasm using gestures, facial expressions, and inflection as you describe your story. What leaves the strongest impression is how you look and sound. People will walk away remembering what they’ve seen and heard.

I saw Suze Orman, the financial guru, speak at a conference. As soon as she walked on stage, she connected with the audience. She was down to earth, funny, and knowledgeable. She shared how she grew up in a poor Chicago neighborhood, worked as a waitress for several years making only $400 a month. She shared her personal story with such authenticity. She had everyone sitting on the edge of the seats listening to every word she said. And, after she spoke, there was a long line of people waiting to buy her products.

I invite you to start writing your personal story now, and start sharing it with others.

Remember it is...Your Story!

© All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission from Rochelle Togo-Figa, Professional Sales Coach, is prohibited.

If you would like to use this article on your website, or for your own ezine, not a problem; however, there’s one thing you MUST include: Rochelle Togo-Figa, The Sales Breakthrough Expert, is the creator of the Sales Breakthrough System™, a proven step-by-step sales process that will help you close more sales, sign on more clients and make more money with ease and velocity. To sign up for her free sales articles and teleclasses on closing more sales, visit www.SalesBreakthroughs.com.

Is Your Authenticity Shining Through?

Imagine you’re sitting across from the prospect, you’ve just presented your services and you’re unsure what to do next. You end up leaving the meeting not knowing what the next steps are. Sadly, you realize you spent more time during the meeting in your head wondering what to say than learning what’s important to the prospect. You leave discouraged and believe you don’t have what it takes to sell. If this has ever happened to you, you’re not alone.

Many people believe there’s a certain way they have to sell if they’re going to be successful. They’re stopped before they even get started because they believe they’re lacking a special style.

The truth is, we’ve been selling ourselves since we were very young. When you were in school and making new friends, you were selling yourself. When you were looking for a job, you were selling yourself. What helped you make new friends and get that job was your authentic style. It’s the same in business. What helps you close sales are the innate qualities you already have.

None of us was born to sell. Successful people learn sales skills and techniques that help close the sale. Most importantly, successful people work at creating the relationship with the client right from the start by being authentic.

The key to authentic selling is to sell from your heart. When you sell from your heart, you’re not following a canned script. Nor are you trying to copy anyone else’s style. You’re being genuinely interested in the other person by asking the right questions and listening keenly to what’s being said.

Have you ever noticed how much more you enjoy a conversation when you feel heard and listened to? Well, that’s what you’re doing when you’re authentically selling. You’re allowing the prospect to do most of the talking. When you follow these steps you’re creating a long-lasting relationship that leads to getting the business. You’re showing you want to learn as much as you can about him or her to see how you can help.

Most people buy based on the K-L-T Factor. They first want to get to know you, they need to like you, and then trust you. Once you establish the K-L-T Factor with prospects, they’re ready to listen to what you have to say. The business relationship begins when you relax and allow your authenticity to shine through.

I remember early in my career how inauthentic I was with people. I was more concerned about how I was doing than learning about the prospect. I covered up my insecurities well. To everyone I looked as if I had everything handled. The truth is, I didn’t—far from it.

The turning point came when I became seriously ill. My life came to a screeching halt. It was then I slowed down and took an honest look at myself. For the first time in my life, I let my guard down and became real. Instead of listening to myself, I started listening to others. Rather than pushing and forcing things to happen, I began to listen to people with a genuine interest in them.

I let go of being pushy and aggressive. And within a short time I noticed a lot more business started coming to me easily. The sense of urgency and intensity I used to display disappeared and I started having fun.

Start to look for yourself to see where in your life or your business you’re pushing too hard and trying to force things to happen. Write down the areas where you've been inauthentic and covering it up. How is this impacting your life and your business? What are you committed to changing? Once you begin to make these changes and apply them in your business and life, you’ll feel more confident and relaxed because you’re being authentic.

All you need is to be genuine. Clients will be attracted to you when you become more interested then interesting. You’re allowing your authenticity to shine through!

© All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission from Rochelle Togo-Figa, Professional Sales Coach, is prohibited.

If you would like to use this article on your website, or for your own ezine, not a problem; however, there’s one thing you MUST include: Rochelle Togo-Figa, The Sales Breakthrough Expert, is the creator of the Sales Breakthrough System™, a proven step-by-step sales process that will help you close more sales, sign on more clients and make more money with ease and velocity. To sign up for her free sales articles and teleclasses on closing more sales, visit www.SalesBreakthroughs.com.

Grab the Prospect’s Attention in 60 Seconds

As a sales professional or business owner, you’re always selling yourself or your product. Whether you’re attending a networking event or trade show, you only have a few seconds to introduce yourself and grab the prospect’s attention. Do you remember how you introduced yourself to a prospect at the last networking event you attended? The prospect probably asked you, “What do you do?” You probably said something like this:

• I am a graphic designer and I design marketing materials.
• I am an account executive and I sell advertising space in magazines.

Now, these are typical responses that describe what you do. There’s nothing unique about these statements that sets you apart from the competition. If you want your prospects to sit up and listen, create a message that grabs their attention in the first 60 seconds. Creating a compelling sales message that addresses your prospects’ needs is both an opportunity to promote your services and a way to separate yourself from the rest. It will make the prospect want to know more about you.

Your selling statement must be vivid, specific, and easy to remember. Your main objective for your sales message is to get the prospect to say, “Wow, you’re exactly what I need! Can I have your card?” Better still, it will make them say, “I want to work with you! When can we talk?”

As you create your compelling sales message, consider two strong motivators that drive people to buy or take action. The motivators are “Pain” and “Gain.”

The first motivator is “Pain.” Pain is another way of avoiding or fixing a problem, concern, or predicament. When creating your compelling sales message, focus first on the pain you can alleviate because it appeals to the stronger of the two motivators.

Examples:

“I work with business owners who find it challenging to design their marketing materials.”

“I sell ad space to people who want to sell their product, but are afraid of putting their advertising dollars in the wrong publication.”

The use of verbs such as “challenged, frustrated, concerned, worried, stopped, and afraid” in the sales message addresses the prospect’s pain. The prospect wants to be relieved of pain as quickly as possible.

The second motivator is “Gain.” People are motivated to buy or take action in order to improve a situation. Saving money, making money, saving time, becoming more efficient, improving service are just a few examples.

Examples:

“I help business owners create marketing materials that stand out in the marketplace, attracting new clients with ease.”

“I help people make advertising decisions that save them money and bring them many sales.”

Expressing in positive words the ways you help people and the results they gain from working with you will motivate potential clients to find out more about your service.

ASSIGNMENT:

Using the motivators “Pain” and “Gain,” create a powerful and compelling sales message. Practice saying it until you have memorized it. Then start saying it at your next networking event or trade show. Keep in mind, your sales message will change over time and will need to be tailored slightly to your audience.

© All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission from Rochelle Togo-Figa, Professional Sales Coach, is prohibited.

If you would like to use this article on your website, or for your own ezine, not a problem; however, there’s one thing you MUST include: Rochelle Togo-Figa, The Sales Breakthrough Expert, is the creator of the Sales Breakthrough System™, a proven step-by-step sales process that will help you close more sales, sign on more clients and make more money with ease and velocity. To sign up for her free sales articles and teleclasses on closing more sales, visit www.SalesBreakthroughs.com.

5 Easy Steps to Overcoming the REAL Objection

As you move through the sales process, the prospect begins to weigh the pros and cons of doing business with you. You’ve presented your product or service and it’s now time for them to make a buying decision. If the prospect decides to do business with you, they’re not only making a financial investment but they’re also saying they trust you’ll deliver what you said you would. At this stage in the meeting, they’re likely to ask questions and raise concerns. These questions and concerns are also known as objections.

Objections are a sign that the customer is interested, not the reverse. Very often they are opportunities to get nearer to closing the sale. Yet many business owners don’t see it this way. They’re uncertain how to respond to the objection, so they come across unsure or end up giving away too much. Sadly, due to lack of preparation, they end up losing the business.

When an objection is raised, it’s not necessarily a stop sign. The prospect may just be saying he or she has not been convinced yet and they want more information before making a buying decision. By making sure you know what the real objection is, you can then determine how to overcome it and prepare your response.

The most common objections used are:

• “I’m happy with my current vendor.”
• “I want to think about it.”
• “I never make quick decisions.”
• “Call me in several months.”
• “Your price is too high.”

These common objections listed above may sound familiar but often are a disguise for the truth. Many times the prospect will not tell you the true objection, for fear of hurting your feelings. When a prospect uses one of the objections listed above, what he or she really means is:

• “I don’t have the money.”
• “I think I can get a better deal elsewhere.”
• “I want to shop around.”
• “I don’t think I need your product.”
• “I have something else in mind.”
• “I don’t like, trust or have confidence in your product.”
• “I’m not impressed with your presentation.”
• “I think your price is too high.”

Here are 5 steps to uncover and overcome the REAL objections:

1. Listen carefully to the objection.
   Do you feel it is a valid objection or perhaps might be covering up the real objection? Try to find out by using this phrase: “Do you really mean…?” or “Usually when a client tells me that, my experience has shown me they may have a concern about the price. Is that true for you?”
   
   
2. Get the prospect to commit to the objection.
   Reword the objection as a question. Example: “In other words, if price weren’t an issue, would you be interested in working with me?” This gets the prospect to answer you directly and commit to the objection, so that you can begin to overcome it.
   
   
3. Determine whether it is the only stumbling block.
   Ask the prospect if the reason they’ve given is the only reason they’re not doing business with you. Example: “If I could resolve this issue, are there any other issues standing in the way of our doing business?”
   
   
4. Answer the objection to resolve the issue and get agreement.
   Use everything you have in your sales toolbox to answer the prospect’s objection. Show different cost options, prove benefits, present comparison charts, show testimonials, product knowledge, and believe in yourself.
   
   
5. Ask a closing question that confirms the sale.
   Make a non-pressuring statement that leads to the close. Example: “If I could…, would you be ready to go forward?” Or “If I check with my office and it’s a go, I’m assuming we have a deal. Is that right?” Using “if” when responding to an objection is a magical word. It takes the pressure off the prospect because you’re not asking them to commit.
   

ASSIGNMENT:

• Make a list of the most common objections you hear.
  
  
• Using the 5 steps, next to each objection write the step you plan to use to uncover and overcome the objection.
  
  
• Find a buddy, and practice saying your response to each objection. The more you practice, the more you’ll come across as confident and prepared to the prospect.
  

© All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission from Rochelle Togo-Figa, Professional Sales Coach, is prohibited.

If you would like to use this article on your website, or for your own ezine, not a problem; however, there’s one thing you MUST include: Rochelle Togo-Figa, The Sales Breakthrough Expert, is the creator of the Sales Breakthrough System™, a proven step-by-step sales process that will help you close more sales, sign on more clients and make more money with ease and velocity. To sign up for her free sales articles and teleclasses on closing more sales, visit www.SalesBreakthroughs.com.