Order Taker or Selling Professional
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Order Taker or Selling Professional
by: Drew Stevens
I recently became involved with several
ventures that have allowed for business expansion and revenue gain. Through each
of these ventures I have become involved with a myriad of selling professionals
and their attributes - or perhaps lack thereof.
I recently returned the call of a
selling professional who had called me. Not only did he not recall my name, but
left his cell phone as his call back number and he answered on speakerphone.
What if I were a client? How unprofessional!
I am continually surprised by the lack
of discipline and professionalism in the profession of selling. My recent
observations illustrate an increased degradation in the spirit, behavior, ethics
and actions of many so called professionals. There are times I think I am in the
real time version of Boiler Room!
Items that require immediate change:
- Dress the part. I tire of the bromide of business
casual. If you want to be in business you need to look the part. Stop dressing
like you are working on an automobile, dress better than your clients.
- Answering Calls. As I mentioned above, I recently
returned a sales call to the number given- their cell phone! Worse yet they
answered with the speakerphone! Ghastly. This is a distinction certain to cancel
many contracts. Calls must be returned to hard line phones and with the headset.
The example implies “I am too busy for any more sales revenue”.
- Voice Mail. Simply leave a name, number and best time
to reach you. Why deliver a Shakespearean monologue, no one has the time to
listen.
- Voice Mail Part Deux. Leave a professional voice
mail. Be professional, not casual.
- Voice Mail Three. Provide accurate data as to your
availability.
- Customer Service. According to Challey Research 40%
of client interaction involves customer service. All calls, and I do mean all
calls, require a reply during the business day. Stop procrastinating.
- Customer Service Part Deux. The proliferation of
caller ID has enabled many professionals to avoid calls they would rather not
take. Selling is a profession not an entitlement, every call from a client is an
opportunity to provide value and obtain revenue. With increasing competition,
clients can quickly become antagonists. Caller ID works both ways.
- Email Apathy. Many representatives use email because
it is easy. Selling is a relationship business and requires client interaction.
Email is vexatious and illustrates your apathy. If you want to engage, pick up
the telephone or visit. Why do exactly as your competitor?
- Email Part Deux. Read your email prior to sending. Do
not send what you did not mean.
- Language. Increase your vocabulary and literary skills.
There has been a degradation of language in both secondary schools and
university. Proper language engages clients and instills confidence.
(C) 2009. Drew J. Stevens Ph.D. All Rights Reserved.
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Contributor:
Drew Stevens
Published here on: 07-Jun-09
Classification: Sales
Website:
http://www.drewstevensconsulting.com/
MSWord:
OrderTakerorSellingProfessional.doc
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