Ask the Right Questions

Linda LaitalaAround The Table, Business, Employees, Leadership, Management, Marketing, Sales, WorkLeave a Comment

Successful business requires constant reflection. For business owners, the ability to stay ahead often comes down to asking the right questions. The right questions guide decisions, sharpen focus, and keep things moving in the right direction. Business owners should ask themselves these four questions
every day to ensure ongoing success and growth.

1.  How have I improved the value of what I sell?

  • Can you “bundle” products or services differently?
  • Can you create different pricing options?
  • Have you called your customers lately to ask if they have any suggestions on issues you could improve upon?
  • Don’t just call the buyer, talk to the accounting department, the receiving department and quality control.
  • Dig – there are always opportunities for improvement.

2.  How many more people are learning about my product today than yesterday?

  • What are you doing to attract the attention of new customers?
  • Have you tried new and different ways to promote your product or service?
  • What social media channels are your customers using?  Do you have a presence on them?
  • Be aware of where traditional marketing techniques are still valuable: trade shows, direct mail, telemarketing and expos.

3.  Have I improved my conversion ratio by improving my selling skills?

  • Are you using different ways to describe your product or service?
  • Are you using relationship selling?
  • Have you considered hiring a coach, attending a Dale Carnegie or Sandler course?

4.  How much more have I sold today than yesterday?

  • Track what drives revenue in your business.
  • Set goals and monitor your progress
  • Log the orders you get every day – compare the results to the orders you wanted to get.

There will be ups and downs to a sales cycle; don’t be discouraged if your sales levels aren’t stable. The important thing is to keep at it.

Asking yourself these questions every day will create a sense of urgency, focus attention on critical tasks, making your business more successful.

The road is easier together,

Linda Laitala, President
Raven Performance Group

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