How to Turn Trends Into Appointments
The following post was originally published by Printing Impressions. To read more of their content, subscribe to their newsletter, Today on PIWorld.
If I asked you to name one trend in the printing industry, chances are you would be up to the challenge. But what if I asked you to name a trend in, say, the banking industry? Now how prepared are you?
One of the most powerful, credibility-building sales tools you've got is understanding the trends in any given vertical market. The fact that you know something about what's going on in their world changes your status from salesperson to subject matter expert and by the time you finish the sentence that started, "I read an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal," you might have everything necessary to gain traction and entry into this new customer.
While no one likes a know-it-all, you should make it a point to do a flyby on the issues that are of importance to the industries you are pursuing. Customers care that you care. It matters that you know. Even a quick, "Trends in the <<insert Vertical Market here>>" Google search can reveal some talking points. Later, when you are on the phone and trying to get an appointment, by using that factoid, your sales pitch is elevated and a new and valuable conversation has begun.
Trends in any industry are relevant and important to the people you are calling on. That alone should make them important to you, too. Find out what's trending before you pick up and make your next prospecting call.
I now have two books available on Amazon (three if you count the second version of the first one)…
The 25 Best Print Sales Tips Ever!
NEW: Who's Making Money at Digital/Inkjet Printing… And How?
Information on both is available at billfarquharson.com. I can be reached at 781-934-7036 or bill@aspirefor.com
Bill Farquharson is a respected industry expert and highly sought after speaker known for his energetic and entertaining presentations. Bill engages his audiences with wit and wisdom earned as a 40-year print sales veteran while teaching new ideas for solving classic sales challenges. Email him at bill@salesvault.pro or call (781) 934-7036. Bill’s two books, The 25 Best Print Sales Tips Ever and Who’s Making Money at Digital/Inkjet Printing…and How? as well as information on his new subscription-based website, The Sales Vault, are available at salesvault.pro.