Let's face it,
We've all slipped into it. A lot of us are there now because of our crap-outlook on this economy. I know a lot of organizations have been working very hard to get out of it and we’d all be screwed if we’re stuck forever in this Sales Depression. I think we all know there is a direct correlation between your personal economic situation and your performance in the field.
The only remedy: get out there. Get smiling and get exchanging cards… or get out.
“But I don’t have the time…” Yes you can. There are easier, less time-consuming ways to go about exchanging corporate information; what I call “Internetworking.” If you’re not savvy, I’ll key you in: this is a type of social networking happens online. Like-minded (or unlike-minded) individuals come together and share ideas, information and create buzz about what it is they sell.
…But the only way for this to work is by each person doing their part. Pick up the phone and act upon a lead or referral, as big or as small as you feel it may be. It could lead to your whale. Don’t wait for people to call you. They won’t. Your competition is already calling them and trying to win them over because they found out about their need via Web 2.0.
Your competition (and you if you cared or knew any better) has access to the greatest “book of business” and it’s called the Internet. Your competition is taking advantage—no OPPORTUNITY—of your client’s core values, and creating a personal relationship just by learning about them on their personal or business website or through what I’d like to call “3rd-party sites:” LinkedIn, Facebook, Manta, etc. or even more so from an infinity of blogs or reviews. The fact is, you can do the same thing; you just have to be smart about it.
First, before you’ve conquered the Internet, GET ON THE PHONE and do what you supposed to be a pro at doing which is making appointments and closing a few deals in person.
Secondly, when that pipeline runs dry or you become weary of the phone and you’re getting consistent “no’s,” create or forward those LinkedIn-Introductions like you’re supposed to. That’s how LinkedIn works and if you don’t do your part, the “get in touch with decision-maker” scenario fails.
Third, make nice with all of your old clients from your fill in the blank days at your job 5 years ago. They might be able to pull a referral out of a crevice for you ;)
Next, start writing. Write down your ideas, good, great or meh. Keep a pad and pen available. If you want one, I have plenty; schedule an appointment with me and I’ll make up a personalized one for you. Be personal. I’ve found out firsthand that mass emailings to reach out for the first instance after a long epoch between conversations only works about 2% of the time. Although I still do it. I’m technically doing it right now in blog-form.
Your choice is to write back. Ask me questions about what I’m doing and tell me what a good referral for you might be. You can even reply straight to this post so that everybody else who reads it can find out more about you. I know a few people… I may be able to help you out. Need a legal document written? Accounts receivables factored? Collection company to help collect $$? How about a fabric that you can wet, wring out and snap that amazingly becomes 30 degrees cooler than ambient temperature within 3 minutes? Who knows, this may be the re-beginning to a beautiful relationship. You could have hundreds, if not thousands of allies if you just reach out to them. Add me ;) www.kristenhaley.com
Happy Internetworking,
Kristen Haley
Entrepreneur @ AMAC International
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