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Focus on the long-term

The turbulent economic straits of today were not created overnight and no short-term solution will be forthcoming. You will only cause yourself personal anxiety if you follow the compelling urge to create instant sales solutions to long-term ills. Instead keep your mind focused on long-term goals and you will achieve better focus in the short-term. This week’s tip comes from Rick ... more »

Presentations Start With Preparation

Many salespeople take a cavalier approach to presentation planning, falsely assuming that their social gift of gab will naturally lead to outstanding business presentations. Yet a bad presentation can affect the future of you and your company, so make sure you take the time to refine your pitch.Take quiet time to brainstorm and discover every possible benefit provided by your products, your ... more »

Timing is critical

Timing is an issue of critical importance in the sales process. A sales leader focuses on the right benefits and uses literature and samples very differently during various phases of the sales process. Early in the process, you should use literature and samples to highlight issues related to quality, design, and product selection. Later, you should select sales tools that educate the customer on ... more »

Respect your prospect’s time

Today, more than ever, your prospects are extremely busy and their time is at a premium. Recognize that an in-person sales call, e-mail, or phone call is an interruption of their daily schedule. Learn to communicate with them in the way they want to be communicated to and you’ll gain more permission to continue those relationships.This week’s tip comes from Rick Davis, president of ... more »

Make the first phone call or key stroke

The toughest phone call or e-mail is the first one. Stop procrastinating. There is only one way to begin a new relationship with a customer and that is by talking to them. Confucius said that a thousand-mile journey begins with a single step. Pick up the phone, type that e-mail and make contact!This week’s tip comes from Rick Davis, president of Building Leaders, Inc. and author of the ... more »

Understand how your customers market services and generate profit

Don’t assume your customers are all alike. You cannot truly help your customers until you understand their business models. Instead of selling the features and benefits of your product, ask questions and listen to discover ways your customer faces their competitive challenges. You will then distinguish yourself as a resource who can help them increase profits through better ... more »
September 24, 2008
TIP OF THE WEEK | Sales & Marketing

Deliver the chapter(s) that will educate and motivate

If you have taken time to prepare a presentation in chapters (like the sections of a well-organized book), your delivery will flow smoothly. You will no longer be thinking. You will deliver a heartfelt presentation at a level of unconscious competence. This week’s tip comes from Rick Davis, president of Building Leaders, Inc. and author of the book, Strategic Sales in the Building Industry. ... more »
June 11, 2008
TIP OF THE WEEK

How to Recruit the Best Passive Candidates

Passive candidates are, by definition, people who are not currently looking for a job. Just because someone is a passive candidate doesn't mean the person is talented. Even if the person is talented, there are a host of factors that need to be addressed before the person is considered a viable prospect. These include things like: The job fit. It's important that the primary emphasis of the job ... more »
June 4, 2008
TIP OF THE WEEK

Always Think Customer Service

When is “customer service” more than just customer service? Every time. When your field service personnel are interacting with a client, customer, or frustrated homeowner, they are doing more than simply investigating and diagnosing what ails a particular window or door. In fact, they are the company’s eyes, ears, and mouthpiece. With that level of direct, personal interaction ... more »
May 28, 2008
TIP OF THE WEEK

Flexible Work Arrangements Build Loyalty

When a job opening is created, broaden your usual approach. In addition to seeking a full-time replacement, consider offering exciting employees, ex-employees and job applicants a nontraditional arrangement that meets immediate company and candidate needs. Here are a few ideas: Part-time hours (even one day a week)Job sharingOn a per project basisTelecommuting from home with regular online or ... more »

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Win-Door Reflects Slumping Canadian Market

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How many lawsuits have been filed against your company this year?

The law firm Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P issued its annual U.S. Litigation Trends survey, which found that 75% of manufacturing companies... »

Focus on the long-term

Top 100 Manufacturers of 2008

Our annual rankings of the 100 largest manufacturers in North America, based on sales volumes. The industry's unofficial scorecard, the list is divided into 10 sales range categories, providing facts, figures and recaps of important developments at major players in the residential window and door business. »