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#41 |
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Pro
Trade: General Contractor, Remodeler
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Eugene, OR.
Posts: 825
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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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now i am scared for my future i've got all ten smashed a lot of them stupidly before -john5mt |
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#42 | |
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Pro
Trade: Roofing Contractor
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: NW Suburbs of Chicago
Posts: 7,135
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Re: Not Much Of A Salesman?Quote:
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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Please Stay Tuned For A Very Important Message From Our Sponsor http://www.rightwayroofingcompany.com/ www.rightwayroofingcompany.com Roof Estimates, Roof Repairs, Roofers, Roof Leak Help, Elgin, Carpentersville, East Dundee, West Dundee, Sleepy Hollow, Algonquin, South Elgin, Huntley, Lake In The Hills, Illinois |
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#43 |
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Pro
Trade: General Contractor, Remodeler
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Eugene, OR.
Posts: 825
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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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now i am scared for my future i've got all ten smashed a lot of them stupidly before -john5mt |
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#44 |
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New Guy
Trade: Business Consulting
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 24
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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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#45 |
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Pro
Trade: Remodeling & home improvements
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 407
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Re: Not Much Of A Salesman?
.........
Last edited by Remodel Bud; 10-11-2008 at 01:57 PM. |
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#46 | |
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Certified Crazy!
Trade: Insurance Restoration Roofing
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 404
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Re: Not Much Of A Salesman?Quote:
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#47 |
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New Guy
Trade: GC
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 21
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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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#48 | |
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DavidC
Trade: Remodeler
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: NNY
Posts: 1,917
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Re: Not Much Of A Salesman?Quote:
What have they helped you improve on? I'll take my answers off the air. Thank You Good Luck Dave
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www.CookContractingLLC.com |
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#49 |
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Pro
Trade: Roofing Contractor
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: NW Suburbs of Chicago
Posts: 7,135
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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
__________________
Please Stay Tuned For A Very Important Message From Our Sponsor http://www.rightwayroofingcompany.com/ www.rightwayroofingcompany.com Roof Estimates, Roof Repairs, Roofers, Roof Leak Help, Elgin, Carpentersville, East Dundee, West Dundee, Sleepy Hollow, Algonquin, South Elgin, Huntley, Lake In The Hills, Illinois Last edited by Ed the Roofer; 08-22-2008 at 01:52 PM. |
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#50 |
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Member
Trade: Specialty Services
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 88
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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!!!
__________________
Adam Snider Opus Magnum Software - Creators of EZJOB Construction Software Reviews & Articles |
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#51 |
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Pro
Trade: Roofing Contractor
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: NW Suburbs of Chicago
Posts: 7,135
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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
__________________
Please Stay Tuned For A Very Important Message From Our Sponsor http://www.rightwayroofingcompany.com/ www.rightwayroofingcompany.com Roof Estimates, Roof Repairs, Roofers, Roof Leak Help, Elgin, Carpentersville, East Dundee, West Dundee, Sleepy Hollow, Algonquin, South Elgin, Huntley, Lake In The Hills, Illinois |
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#52 |
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Member
Trade: Specialty Services
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 88
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Re: Not Much Of A Salesman?
Man, that's profound!!!!
Thanks again!
__________________
Adam Snider Opus Magnum Software - Creators of EZJOB Construction Software Reviews & Articles |
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#53 |
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Pro
Trade: Design/Build Remodeler, Roofing Expert and Coach
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 129
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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 mark the coach |
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#54 | |
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Construction Marketer
Trade: Construction Dude w/ Website Skills
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Nashville
Posts: 288
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Re: Not Much Of A Salesman?Quote:
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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#55 |
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Construction Marketer
Trade: Construction Dude w/ Website Skills
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Nashville
Posts: 288
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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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#56 |
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I am not a hack.
Trade: California General Contractor/Carpenter
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Tracy, Ca
Posts: 34
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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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#57 | |
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Construction Marketer
Trade: Construction Dude w/ Website Skills
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Nashville
Posts: 288
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Re: Not Much Of A Salesman?Quote:
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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#58 | |
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Moderator
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Re: Not Much Of A Salesman?Quote:
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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"My clients’ wishes are the center of my attention." -- David Guido, a contractor in Woodstock, N.Y. New York Times, July 20, 2006 |
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#59 | |
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Registered User
Trade: landscaping
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 1
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Re: Not Much Of A Salesman?Quote:
Ed you are my inspiration !!... this is one of the most inspiring posts I've ever read ..thank you Steve of Osz Services and Luxury Decks of Texas |
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#60 |
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Member
Trade: brick layer
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 36
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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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