#1 way to lose a sale

Many sales strategies are floating around and being taught to entrepreneurs. Depending on your business model, some strategies work and some don’t. What we can agree on is that it is never a one-size-fits-all. And that there is 1 strategy that does not work and can get you reported and even banned for a scam. This is the #1 way to lose a sale…

JUMPING INTO A STRANGER’S INBOX

So, let’s set the stage for the scenario. You have created an offering that you think is great and you are currently on 2 or maybe 3 social media platforms actively posting. But you are not getting the type of sales you want. You consciously decide to go through your friends’ list or suggested people and craft a message that is hard-selling your offering. You apply this same logic to your WhatsApp by sending broadcast messages.

I once had a gentleman DM me on Linkedin asking me if I was ready to begin my weight loss journey! Nowhere on my profile, articles, videos or posts do I ever speak about any struggles with weight loss or any such challenges

I have also had people send me messages under the guise of wanting to know more of what I do, to then as me, if I am looking for new opportunities to make money. (Who is teaching this strategy?)

WHAT CAN HAPPEN?

From this approach, you may get 1 or 2 people saying yes to your offering, but the average receiver will roll their eyes, block you, mute you or report you for spam.

This is like casting your net as wide as possible and hoping that somebody takes a bite. This is not a great strategy for growing a sustainable business.

WHY IT DOES NOT WORK

Because you do not have a relationship with these random people. Businesses are built from relationships. Every entrepreneur needs to understand that to create a successful and sustainable business, they need to focus on building relationships.

You build these relationships by sharing value where your ideal clients are consistently and engaging them in meaningful conversations. This allows both of you to build trust so the buying process is easier. 

Create content that sells.

It also does not work because these random people may not be your ideal clients. You have heard me say before that there is money in the niches. The more specific you get about who is your ideal client, the easier it is for you to build a relationship and sell every day.

You are NOT trying to sell to everybody you know. Get specific about your audience asap!

5 ways to find your ideal client.

WHAT TO DO INSTEAD

1. Build relationships by showing up consistently sharing valuable content in your social media, emails, blogs, and videos which will inspire, motivate and educate your audience.
2. Give them a taste of what you can do by offering a free opt-in, free training, sneak peek, or behind the scenes
3. Ask for testimonials from persons who already have a relationship with your brand and use these as part of your content strategy
4. Ask your present clients for referrals. Chances are they know people who need your offering and they are your walking cheerleaders 
5. Create a sales funnel that makes sense for your business. Everything listed above can form part of your funnel. Get in the habit of writing out the logical sequence of steps you would want your audience to take once they find out about your business. Create a funnel from this sequence sprinkling in a mix of freebies and your offerings broken into various parts
6. Take your time and do not be desperate for the sale! This strategy of sending to everyone on your timeline or contact list reeks of desperation and is a clear indication of not having a sales strategy. Your intended audience can see it and smell it a mile away.

CONCLUSION

I totally understand the anxiety associated with landing daily sales. But you also need to understand that it does not happen overnight. There are steps involved before you start to experience daily consistent sales. Like building a relationship with your audience with a consistent and clear message. This may take time (maybe even just a few months!) and then with some tweaking and flexibility to your strategy, you will find what works perfectly for you.

Still, struggling with your sales strategy? Then join my 10 days of Sales strategy to get some quick and easy ways to get the sales you desire