Not Much Of A Salesman?

 
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Old 08-13-2008, 11:14 PM   #41
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Re: Not Much Of A Salesman?


Sounds like I need to:

Get more calls... got some ideas
Spruce up the appearance a bit
Get my darn website up and running
Keep my rates the same for now
Trim some fat and hope this slow down will pass
Maybe work on building confidence in my selling ability?
This ones tricky, as I don't really have a meter for how well I'm selling. How do I know if I'm doing a good job? I know when I've done a bad job... those meetings I walk away from knowing I botched it. It's when I get nervous I get stupid. I think it's because I don't have a lot of capital and I want to keep the guys working... their GOOD. I did well when I wasn't worried. I was able to meet with clients knowing they needed me more than I needed them, so I was solid. Was I wrong to think that way? Now I need clients. Hmmm. Funny turn around.

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Old 08-13-2008, 11:36 PM   #42
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Re: Not Much Of A Salesman?


Quote:
Originally Posted by Forry View Post

This ones tricky, as I don't really have a meter for how well I'm selling.

How do I know if I'm doing a good job?

I know when I've done a bad job... those meetings I walk away from knowing I botched it.

I was able to meet with clients knowing they needed me more than I needed them, so I was solid.

Was I wrong to think that way?
I have gone through the exact same self doubt each of the past 2 years when things were going slowly for me.

Stop It!!!

You said that you: "Get Nervous And Get Stupid".

That possibly means one serious flaw in your selling technique. You are doing too much of the talking.

Engage the customers to find out what they want and how they feel about the different aspects you have specified in your initial consultation.

I do not bring out my written proposal until we all are about 75 % or so done with all sorts of other things.

Firstly, most home owners ask how long an appointment will take.

My response is that it will take as long as they want it to and that most last around 30-40 minutes. (Baloney.....)

I am never their for less than 1 hour and if I have engaged them and sought out their open and honest opinions on their problems and how they viewed my solutions, which are all backed up by manufacturers literature and internet articles and most importantly, photos of the problems they have with their existing conditions of their roof in addition to my photo album which chronologizes the solutions for similar problems I have dealt with on similar homes, then they are actually part of the sales team, because we all are working out the best solution for their budget.

Providing a proposal and meeting for an appointment to deliver a presentation does not mean getting on the podium and giving a lecture. It means geting them engaged in the problems and seeing your solutions as the best option.

Ed
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Old 08-14-2008, 09:46 AM   #43
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Re: Not Much Of A Salesman?


"That possibly means one serious flaw in your selling technique. You are doing too much of the talking."

I don't doubt that. Maybe ask more questions eh. I think maybe I give too much information sometimes. Technical speak, trying to sound knowledgeable. Mostly I know my stuff and can communicate the details well and accurately, it's when I get into the gray areas things get a little weird. I'm still working on finding just the right way to tell a client "I don't know, but I'll find out and get back to you". Usually I say something like "I'll need to do a little more research on that to be sure". That's about when I start getting all stupid.
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Old 08-14-2008, 07:18 PM   #44
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Re: Not Much Of A Salesman?


You should try to make the appointment about them. Show interest in them. Their problems, their concerns. Ask them to tell you if they don't understand something and to feel free to ask questions. Home owners want to feel that you will not only want to sell to them, but that you will do the best job you can because this is what you are all about.
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Old 08-14-2008, 08:29 PM   #45
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Re: Not Much Of A Salesman?


.........

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Old 08-22-2008, 09:31 AM   #46
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Re: Not Much Of A Salesman?


Quote:
Originally Posted by Ed the Roofer View Post
My back has been against the wall this year very hard.

I am catching up and things are looking better.

Over the past 2 weeks I did something that I haven't done in a long time.

I got off my azz and became hungry for the sales again. Just like when I was starting out. I was faced with a choice to change my pricing or to become a better closer, as is always the eternal pursuit. No, I decided that lowering prices would not work, so I re-invigorated myself even with all of the adversity going on.

I have done 5 time the estimates per week that I normally do and I am getting more personal in my sales presentation. Heck, I don't even use my 8 page proposal except for an end of discussion summary, just to point out what we were talking about when we went through their job problem photos and my photo album of consistent solutions.

Thursday night, when I measured a roof for an 89 year old gentleman, who is extremely sharp and has a detail oriented background, I spent about 2 hours in his home just getting to know him better.

Yesterday, I delivered the written proposal and photos and he signed up for all of the upgrade options. I spent about another 2 hours with him this time also.

I also delivered another one to a home owner who got denied by his insurance company for hail damage. 90 % of all of his neighbors are getting free roofs, so I figured it to be a tough sell. He liked the detailed proposal and the professionalism and the enthusiasm I showed for my work and the pride I have in my employees.

Bam. An $ 11,000 one layer tear-off job. I spent about 2 hours with him also and got to know about this wife and kid. He told me that my devotion to spending so much time with him is what tipped the scale in my favor.

Go out and pretend like you are starting from the beginning again. Use that innocent eager enthusiasm that you surely must have had at one time. If that doesn't work, try the readings on a continual basis. Sign up for sales e-mail newsletters and ideas.

The ONE customer you are meeting with is the most important person and job to you. Believe it. Let them be aware of the sincerity. Live it as if every time you meet a prospect, that this is the one person that you want to know more about. Even take some written notes about some family details, so that you can throw those tidbits into a future conversation.

Make every prospect become not only a satisfied customer, but one that is grateful that they met you and chose your services. Develop an expectation from them, that they will refer you to other friends and family.

Keep in touch with all customers periodically. Results will improve. 1 out of 4 is just showing up. Any warm body with an estimate can sell 1 out of 4. You can do better than than and you know it, so get to it.

Ed
Ed, I can't tell you how many times I've closed the deal because I spent 80% of my time with my prospect talking with them about everything but the real reason why I was there! I watch thier body language while I'm talking with them. When the body language tells me they are comfortable with me then I breifly explain my company and services bla bla bla and then I plainly ask them if they are comfortable letting me work with them. I almost always get a yes and they sign up.
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Old 08-22-2008, 10:32 AM   #47
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Re: Not Much Of A Salesman?


I bought all the books but never sat down to read them. So, I bought a great set of CDs from a guy who retired from contracting and burns CDs of his selling techniques on his home computer. I gave it a shot - WOW. I listened as I drove around town.

I've never heard of his style anywhere else. Turns out, he was a big hitter in the plumbing and drain business. But, that didn't matter, his stuff works anywhere.

The main concept was on how to sell "YOU and YOUR COMPANY." He says that there's plenty of contractors that can do the actual work - so to be competitive, they play the price game and make themselves a commodity.

The one thig that the customer gets when they hire YOU is "You." They can't get that anywhere else. Those CDs were the best investment I made in a long, long time. If you want to check it out, just google *Service Dynamite"

Last edited by little_hammer; 08-22-2008 at 10:34 AM.
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Old 08-22-2008, 01:30 PM   #48
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Re: Not Much Of A Salesman?


Quote:
Originally Posted by little_hammer View Post
I bought all the books but never sat down to read them. So, I bought a great set of CDs from a guy who retired from contracting and burns CDs of his selling techniques on his home computer. I gave it a shot - WOW. I listened as I drove around town.

I've never heard of his style anywhere else. Turns out, he was a big hitter in the plumbing and drain business. But, that didn't matter, his stuff works anywhere.

The main concept was on how to sell "YOU and YOUR COMPANY." He says that there's plenty of contractors that can do the actual work - so to be competitive, they play the price game and make themselves a commodity.

The one thig that the customer gets when they hire YOU is "You." They can't get that anywhere else. Those CDs were the best investment I made in a long, long time. If you want to check it out, just google *Service Dynamite"
I note that you list yourself as a GC while the Service Dynamite program is aimed at service trades. Do you feel the program would apply to remodelers?

What have they helped you improve on?

I'll take my answers off the air.
Thank You

Good Luck
Dave
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Old 08-22-2008, 01:48 PM   #49
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Re: Not Much Of A Salesman?


Here is the link to that site:

http://servicedynamite.com/



Plus, for HVAC Service techs, their is Service Round Table and Commanche Marketing which have TONS of FREE marketing and sales information.

http://www.serviceroundtable.com/

This Next One is loaded with Freebie Information that is transferable to other trades.

http://www.serviceroundtable.com/freebies/default.asp

Ed

Last edited by Ed the Roofer; 08-22-2008 at 01:52 PM.
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Old 08-22-2008, 11:38 PM   #50
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Re: Not Much Of A Salesman?


Wow, this is great stuff, thanks Ed....I am THE WORST saleman on the planet so I'm sure this will help!!!
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Old 08-22-2008, 11:43 PM   #51
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Re: Not Much Of A Salesman?


Free information is the same as paid for information with only one exception.

It's Free.

You just have to know where to dig it up and put it to use.

I am glad you liked the resource.

Ed
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Old 08-23-2008, 06:45 PM   #52
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Re: Not Much Of A Salesman?


Man, that's profound!!!!

Thanks again!
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Old 08-23-2008, 09:41 PM   #53
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Re: Not Much Of A Salesman?


Most people don't want to be seen as a salesman. However if you own a business somone has to sell your services. If your having less success then before there are a few things you can do.
1. Sign up for professional sales training that teaches a consultative way of selling. Many remodelers I am in NARI with swear by Sandler Sales Training. This process was rated the choice by 23% of remodelers in a survey done by a remodeling magazine a few years ago. This process teaches you how not to be like a salesperson.
2. Consider design/build remodeling. When a complete design/build process is in place in a company the closing ratio is 90% or better once you sell the design.
3. Consider networking groups to build relationships and promote your business as well as others. When you join networking groups you are usually with people who are higher income earners. Join chambers, BNI groups, go to business after hours networking events. Last year when leads were slow I was able to bring in $1,000,000 in business through my networking groups. The nice thing was I had no competition because I was referred by people who knew liked and trusted me.
4. Hire a salesperson.
5. Read Napoleon Hill "Think and Grow Rich".
6. Get "The Secret"
7. Start a small job or handyman service and market to your exisitng customer base and let them know you offer a service to save husbands from the dog house by handling honey do lists.

hope this helps

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Old 08-28-2008, 12:21 PM   #54
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Re: Not Much Of A Salesman?


Quote:
The ONE customer you are meeting with is the most important person and job to you. Believe it. Let them be aware of the sincerity. Live it as if every time you meet a prospect, that this is the one person that you want to know more about. Even take some written notes about some family details, so that you can throw those tidbits into a future conversation.
This is spot on. Focus on them.

This rule works in sales, and in life in general.

To paraphrase "How to Win Friends and Influence People":

The sweetest sound to any person is the sound of her own name.

This is another way of saying "focus on the needs of the prospect."

Don't fall into the common trap of talking about yourself. Your words will fall on deaf ears.

You might not like this idea. But you might not make any sales, either.

Set your attitude on "High Customer Focus" setting.

Smile, and listen to your prospect.

Care.

Mean it.

Help.

And watch yourself make sales.
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Old 08-28-2008, 12:25 PM   #55
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Re: Not Much Of A Salesman?


In addition, here's another thing I've found:

When in doubt, in any customer situation, think to yourself, "What if it was my house, or my wife's house, or my daughter's house? THEN what would I say and do?"

This mindset will give you the answers that will cause you to be so persuasive and likeable, you will see your sales prowess grow like crazy.
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Old 09-01-2008, 02:28 PM   #56
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Re: Not Much Of A Salesman?


I too have never considered myself much of a salesman. What popped in my head while reading this thread was " It's probably a lot easier to sell something you believe in. It's not like we are trying to screw people at a used car lot here." When you are talking to these people tell yourself that. If you believe in the quality of your work and are looking to get a fair deal you can probably sell it Not looking or smelling like a scumbag is important. Maybe just keep a clean set of clothes and some deodorant behind your seat if you are going to meet some people on the way home. Hope this helps.

Last edited by Beater82; 09-01-2008 at 02:48 PM.
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Old 09-01-2008, 02:50 PM   #57
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Re: Not Much Of A Salesman?


Quote:
1. Sign up for professional sales training that teaches a consultative way of selling. Many remodelers I am in NARI with swear by Sandler Sales Training. This process was rated the choice by 23% of remodelers in a survey done by a remodeling magazine a few years ago. This process teaches you how not to be like a salesperson.
2. Consider design/build remodeling. When a complete design/build process is in place in a company the closing ratio is 90% or better once you sell the design.
3. Consider networking groups to build relationships and promote your business as well as others. When you join networking groups you are usually with people who are higher income earners. Join chambers, BNI groups, go to business after hours networking events. Last year when leads were slow I was able to bring in $1,000,000 in business through my networking groups. The nice thing was I had no competition because I was referred by people who knew liked and trusted me.
4. Hire a salesperson.
Good ideas.

Here are some more:

Construction Marketing Brainstorm

There are plenty of situations you can use to do more of an "indirect" selling style.
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Old 09-01-2008, 09:06 PM   #58
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Re: Not Much Of A Salesman?


Quote:
Originally Posted by Forry View Post
Mostly I know my stuff and can communicate the details well and accurately, it's when I get into the gray areas things get a little weird. I'm still working on finding just the right way to tell a client "I don't know, but I'll find out and get back to you". Usually I say something like "I'll need to do a little more research on that to be sure". That's about when I start getting all stupid.

Now why in the world would you say, "I'll need to do a little more research on that to be sure", when "I don't know, but I'll find out and get back to you" is so much easier, more direct, more understandable, and a hell of a lot less pretentious?

These are people. Just like the people you go to church with, sit next to in the diner, sit behind in the theater, cuss at on the freeway, and hold the door open for at the store. Why do you treat them like they are suddenly the college dean? Relax! Have some fun with this! be yourself!

"Good question. I don't know the answer to it. I probably should and I will before we have a chance to talk again. Let me look into it and call you back. Is Tuesday OK with for you?"

"OK, now I feel dumb. I should know that answer, but to be honest, I've never been asked. Let me find out and call you tomorrow with an answer."

"I'll take 'What is egg on my face' for two hundred, Alex. I think you just asked a question I don't know the answer to, but I am going to get an answer to it if it kills me."
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Old 09-08-2008, 08:47 PM   #59
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Re: Not Much Of A Salesman?


Quote:
Originally Posted by Ed the Roofer View Post
My back has been against the wall this year very hard.

I am catching up and things are looking better.

Over the past 2 weeks I did something that I haven't done in a long time.

I got off my azz and became hungry for the sales again. Just like when I was starting out. I was faced with a choice to change my pricing or to become a better closer, as is always the eternal pursuit. No, I decided that lowering prices would not work, so I re-invigorated myself even with all of the adversity going on.

I have done 5 time the estimates per week that I normally do and I am getting more personal in my sales presentation. Heck, I don't even use my 8 page proposal except for an end of discussion summary, just to point out what we were talking about when we went through their job problem photos and my photo album of consistent solutions.

Thursday night, when I measured a roof for an 89 year old gentleman, who is extremely sharp and has a detail oriented background, I spent about 2 hours in his home just getting to know him better.

Yesterday, I delivered the written proposal and photos and he signed up for all of the upgrade options. I spent about another 2 hours with him this time also.

I also delivered another one to a home owner who got denied by his insurance company for hail damage. 90 % of all of his neighbors are getting free roofs, so I figured it to be a tough sell. He liked the detailed proposal and the professionalism and the enthusiasm I showed for my work and the pride I have in my employees.

Bam. An $ 11,000 one layer tear-off job. I spent about 2 hours with him also and got to know about this wife and kid. He told me that my devotion to spending so much time with him is what tipped the scale in my favor.

Go out and pretend like you are starting from the beginning again. Use that innocent eager enthusiasm that you surely must have had at one time. If that doesn't work, try the readings on a continual basis. Sign up for sales e-mail newsletters and ideas.

The ONE customer you are meeting with is the most important person and job to you. Believe it. Let them be aware of the sincerity. Live it as if every time you meet a prospect, that this is the one person that you want to know more about. Even take some written notes about some family details, so that you can throw those tidbits into a future conversation.

Make every prospect become not only a satisfied customer, but one that is grateful that they met you and chose your services. Develop an expectation from them, that they will refer you to other friends and family.

Keep in touch with all customers periodically. Results will improve. 1 out of 4 is just showing up. Any warm body with an estimate can sell 1 out of 4. You can do better than than and you know it, so get to it.

Ed

Ed you are my inspiration !!... this is one of the most inspiring posts I've ever read ..thank you
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Old 09-10-2008, 12:11 AM   #60
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Re: Not Much Of A Salesman?


my problem is that sometimes i get so friendly and involed with a client to make a sale they want to be friends and call to go out and have beers. I dont have the time to be friends but i dont want to make them feel like i was using them either. What do you guys do in these situations.
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