QUALITIES OF SUCCESSFUL MARKETING The problem most people - and most businesses - have with marketing is they spend too much time trying to find the best "gimmick". That's like saying that all a salesman needs is the gift of gab to be successful. Marketing isn't about finding a gimmick that will trick customers into buying your product anymore than salesmanship means you can talk fast, for extended periods of time. In fact, gimmicks and slick talk will lose you business in the long run. The most successful marketers and salesmen rely not on tricks, but on qualities that draw people to them, that instill confidence. By adopting the following qualities, and putting them into action, you will reap the rewards. A positive ATTITUDE. Not just about your business and your product, but about life, about other people. The best salesmen aren't talkers, they are listeners. People will tell you what they need, and will usually give you clues when it comes time to close the sale. Be sincere, show an interest in the other person and what they have to say. INTEGRITY. Be honest, always. It's just that simple. Trust is hard to earn, and easy to lose. Once your customer doubts your word, your business relationship will never be the same. BELIEVE. Knowledge is important, knowing the technical aspects of a product you're promoting...but your enthusiasm will shine through when you truly believe in what you're doing, when you have faith in the product your selling, and the positive impact it will have on the life of your client, whether it's personal or professional. If you don't believe in yourself, your product and your business, why would anyone else? Show your PASSION. If you don't love what you're doing, the business you are in or the product you are selling, it will show. Others will know if you are truly passionate and enthusiastic about what you're doing. It's true, when you do what you love, you work harder and become better at it and it doesn't seem like work...but the rewards will be there. The money follows. ASK QUESTIONS...lots and lots of questions. The best way to strike up a conversation with someone is to ask them a question about themselves. Most people's favorite subject is...you guessed it...themselves. How they do this, why they do that. When you're marketing a product or trying to sell something to a client, it's the customers needs and how you can meet those needs that is the most effective "pitch". Be UNIQUE. What makes your business and/or your product different from your competitors? If you can't articulate why the client should choose to do business with you over your competitor, the client will never be sold. GIVE more than you expect to receive. Under-promise and over-deliver. Go the extra mile to show a client that they are important to you, and that client will return your gesture by being a loyal customer. Sincerity and effort matter, your client doesn't like being taken for granted any more than you do. Be ORGANIZED. There's nothing worse than showing up for a meeting with a prospective client and not having the items you need to make your presentation. Appearances do matter, so be professional in every sense of the word - and be PREPARED at all times. Show APPRECIATION. Be sincere when you say thank you. Clip articles of relevance to a client or the client's business and send them. It shows you're thinking of them and that they are important. Sending something as inexpensive as a newspaper clipping can reap huge rewards. It's not the clipping that matters, it's your sincerity.   Home | About WebWizards | See Our Work | Articles | E-mail Us | What Clients Say