What are your processes for getting sales?

I am just wondering what methods many of you use to get sales? Do any of you practice door to door or direct selling or do you tend sell primarily online or through your storefront/office? I am just wondering if there are approaches to selling that make sense for certain types of businesses and not for others.

Thoughts or input anyone?

"Networking" works well for me and my consulting business. Not business mixer type networking, but meeting up with clients for lunch or dinner. Although I have to say that I don't really think of it as networking. I just like to catch up with clients and sometimes an opportunity will come out during conversation.

Of course, this method can take years to generate anything. And sometimes it never has resulted in any business, so far. So its a good thing I love going to lunch and catching up!

Julia  r u set?  or r u still wanting some info?

Jet Girl 

Jet Girl,

Just checked out your website, your business looks interesting. For your industry do you find that most sales come from word of mouth and referrals?

Julia

 I talk with people along the way.  my goal is to tell 8 - 10 people everyday about my business. I also sample and follow up. The proof is in the follow up. I  also ask my friends and family to do Gatherings for me (one a week)

Betsy,

I think it is a great idea to set a goal like you have in place to tell a certain number of people about your business everyday.  What methods do you follow to make sure you tell 8-10 people a day?  Do you ever find it difficult to meet that goal?  If is is a challenge on some days, how to you over come it?

Kelly

No, one I am out there I always wear a smile and strike up a conversation.   On the check out line, on the train, bus walking along any where.  You have to get out of your way and concor your fear.

Betsy,

It's a amazing how something as simple as a smile can help you strike up a conversation.  I have been told on many occasions that I am always smiling, and I always seem find that strangers pick me out of the crowd to strike up a conversation.  Maybe my excessive smiling is attributed to that!  I should probably put it to good use and start promoting my interests   Good luck getting the word out about your business.

Kelly

 It depends which side of the business that I am promoting. For the machine shop side I do some cold calling, and if there is an account that I really want, I try to get a referral from a current customer. I have picked up several accounts because mechanics have changed employers and then recommend me. I have 1 customer who has a lot of connections. He has gotten me in to see the right guy, and just that quick I had the account. As has been said for so many years " its not what you know, its who you know". I had tried to see the right guy at least 6 times and got nowhere. Then, BAM, I'm there and they are treating me like a long lost cousin. Giving me a tour, introducing me to everyone. Of course I've had to keep up my end by doing quality work.

Another technique that I have used: anytime I buy parts, I ask who they use for machine service. Chat up the services that we perform.

On the motorcycle side of things, anytime I ride, I make sure to wear a company t shirt, have plenty of cards, and maybe some other little give-aways. Even a line card listing the brands we sell ans services we perform. This is much easier to promo because it is much more mainstream. I will also go out to events and rides to mingle and promote.

Hope this is helpful.

Mike 

Julia, I think I agree with Betsy Blair. In fact, I developed and taught a course called "In The Process of Life Its’ self” in the 90’s. It was all about paying attention to where you were and who was in your sphere of influence. It proved very valuable in building a contact pipeline to those that understood and mastered the process.

Of course in these days of super speed technology and multi-layered social networking, the old ways of relationship, one-on-one marketing and “how-ya-doin” don’t work any more do they??!!

Alex