Chapter 2 : Planning the Sale
Topics covered in this snack-sized chapter:
A sales plan is a plan that sets out the future aims of a sales department.
It shows the ways in which it can improve its performance and increase sales.
Personal selling is a business activity involving a person-to-person communication process.
- During which a salesperson uncovers and satisfies the needs of a buyer to the mutual, long-term benefit of both parties.
Selling involves helping customers to:
- Learn about potential solutions.
- Receive after-the-sale service to ensure long-term satisfaction.
The basic skills involved in selling are:
1. Define a time line
2. Analyze/track past sales records
3. Project future sales
4. Project future results
5. Adjust sales and results based on past data
6. Detail the plan with specific steps
7. Control, evaluate, and adjust
Prospecting for customers
- Find prospects to contact
- Plan the entire sales presentation.
Popular prospecting methods are:
- Public exhibitions and demonstrations
- Locating centers of influence
- Telephone and observation
Plan how to help people solve their problems and fulfill their needs.
Plan every aspect of a sales call so you will be organized and prepared.
Plan to present a specific solution to each prospect’s unique set of problems and needs.
Focus on building a mutually beneficial relationship.