SALES LESSON OF THE MONTH!
Treat your potential client with respect and NEVER talk down to her.
Today I had some "guru" trying to sell me his services by telling me how much his firm can help me accomplish my dreams.... and all I have to do is pay him thousand$ of dollar$ to get his much needed help...since it was so obvious I needed his help. Then I would achieve the success I desired and obviously not getting.
Am I upset? You bet I am. Did he do his homework? NOPE! Has he permanently irritated me? YEP! The obnoxious sale approach ...."I have done so much and "Little You" could profit from my "advice" was way off base and downright rude. I do not mind paying for great advice. ( I pay my lawyer and accountant all the time). But guys and gals do not patronize or belittle the prospect... especially BEFORE you try to sell them.
BTW this is what "little old me" has have accomplished over the years without his help:
1. Been in business successfully for over 35 years.
2. Have raised over 42 million dollars in loans/equity etc for small businesses.
3. In the process of raising many more millions of dollar for a large project in South Dakota.
4. Written 3 books. One "The Gift of Holiday" an award winning children's book.
5. Have survived two businesses getting into serious trouble and paid off my many thousands of dollars of debt without declaring bankruptcy...and YES it did hurt.
6. Have co-developed software Price it Perfect (TM)that has been sold nationally. I am now in the process of working with another developer to move the PIP to a cloud application.
7. My clients have received national recognition from the SBA as Small Business of the Year, Journalist of the Year, Veteran of the Year, Athena Award Winner, Stevie Awards and etc. I wrote the nomination package for them and for many other award winning business owners.
8. Have developed my own podcast...the Empress of Biz, Listen, Learn, Prosper with a growing national and international audience.
9.Serve on loan boards for over 6 years and have contracts with several government agencies for my cost analysis abilities
10. Have been recognized by the SBA, the state of Pennsylvania for advocacy for women and small business owners.
11.Have helped established the Pennsylvania Women's Hall of Achievement and currently serve as President.
12. I am a national site reviewer for the National Women Business Owners Corporation.
13. Past President 5 times of the Greater Pittsburgh Chapter of NAWBO.
14. Have served on the National Nominating Committee and Board for NAWBO
15. I have learned many painful lessons along the way and I am willing to share them without charging exorbitant fees .
Moral of the Story... Know your prospect, do not insult them and most of all treat your prospect with RESPECT.
BTW...if you want to build your business and want clear, direct, non-critical advice and BE TREATED WITH RESPECT ...give me a call at 412-440-6969.
May all have a profitable and productive day...and please treat one another with courtesy and respect.
JoAnn R. Forrester
Empress of Biz, Listen, Learn, Prosper
Empress of Biz, Listen, Learn, Prosper
