August 24th, 2009 by Sara Dee
Business is, of course, seen in dollars and cents and business and customer, rather than as a relationship of team members. Especially in this economic climate, we should conduct business as a partnership – a team – not distinct entities based on a barter system. As a valued member of a team, one needs to bring his strengths to the team to help it thrive.
Hopefully, you have already established trust in your business relationships through honesty and integrity. Those, first and foremost, should be your strengths. Constant communication is a key for any team to meld well together. Through discussion and feedback, you will find what vendors, customers, business partners, and even competition, can offer you. You can all bring your strengths together to work as a well-oiled machine.
Sharing your knowledge and strengths and listening to the voices of others can be effective tools for making money. You know what you bring to the table, learn what others can bring, and offer your expertise for a common good of garnering business. Small companies to large industries could benefit from relying on partnering their strengths with all the “members” of their business.
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August 13th, 2009 by Sara Dee
The last vendor email template is related to not doing business together. The next template could be a good business tool to keep handy. Obviously, people are often willing to negotiate when asked. No one is going to automatically drop prices before you have even objected to the current price.
They may; however, if you say that you would buy from them if only they offered a discount or lowered the price slightly. They may also be more willing to negotiate if you mention that another vendor can provide the same services for $500.00 cheaper. This template could allow a good conversation to get going. You might open up some doors that may have otherwise remain closed.
Dear *Vendor*
Thank you for responding to me so quickly regarding my product pricing request. Currently we do use the products that you offer; however, I am able to receive these at a lower price from an out of town vendor. Would you be willing to discuss a per unit discount, as I buy these products in *certain amounts* twice per month? I look forward to further discussing our business relationship. I am sure that we can come to a mutually agreeable resolution. Thank you.
*Boss*
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August 10th, 2009 by Sara Dee
I remember a children’s song that said “Please and Thank You, they’re the magic words.” Simple? Yes, but often underused. Sometimes a “thank you” can go a long way. Remember that your clients and customers are who are keeping you in business. Make sure that they feel appreciated.
Sending out an automated thank you is a great idea. It’s fast and easy and can go out to everyone in a click. But other ways to say thank you can include incentives. Everyone appreciates a free lunch, a discounted rate, or a referral/repeat business/good customer bonus. You can easily reward a customer without spending (or losing) a lot of money. This, in turn, can bring in more business – more money.
Again, the sales relationship is based on trust. You have to garner a customer’s trust and respect. The best way to do that is to trust and respect them. Make each customer your number one priority and; hopefully, you will be their first phone call.
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July 31st, 2009 by Sara Dee
After sending the vendor template, you may be inundated with business hopefuls. They will be calling, emailing, etc. to follow-up on your pricing request. This is another excellent opportunity to use an automated email response system. You can customize one for those that meet your needs, to say that you will be in touch regarding making a purchase. You can customize other emails to be sent to the vendors with whom you might work, those with whom you won’t, and those with whom you might be able to negotiate a better deal.
The first template is to those with whom you probably will not do business.
Dear *Vendor*
Thank you for taking the time to answer my product and pricing questions. I appreciate your getting the information to me so quickly. At this time, we are not in need of the products that you carry (*or have found a better price*). I will keep all of your information on file and will let you know if we are in need of your services in the future. Good luck in all of your business ventures.
*Boss*
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July 27th, 2009 by Sara Dee
It cannot be expressed enough what a time-saving, cost effective tool an automated email response system can be. It has been used for clients, customers, in-office notes, working from home, newsletters, sales calls, surveys, – the list goes on and on. Not to mention using it as an automated response when you are unable to answer your emails. How far this product has come!
Imagine using a customized automated response system like the Email ResponderPro to easily, quickly, and effectively comparison shop. Yes, comparison shop your vendors. It has been established that vendors, in this economic downturn, are more likely to “work something out” than they once used to be. Keep them in the loop, let them bid for you, even those that were always too costly.
Use the ResponderPro to contact ALL of your vendors to determine their current prices, discounts, turnaround time, etc. You can customize the email according to the products that you are researching. Send one to all those who offer office supplies, another to those who supply your products, and so on.
Dear *Vendor*
We, at *Company*, are currently updating our business files. I have a few questions about some products that we are in need of purchasing. Please fill out the following so we can learn more about your products, prices, and services and; hopefully, do some business together.
*List the products that you are looking for*
*Ask for prices and turnaround time*
*Ask if any current discounts apply*
*Ask if they have a low price guarantee or anything comparable*
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to working with you.
*Boss*
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July 22nd, 2009 by Sara Dee
Training for anything requires dedication and consistency. This includes always working, learning, striving and driving yourself to better your outcome. The same goes for your career. You must continually be learning and working toward bettering your business.
Take advantage of the opportunities within your field. Read an accomplished author’s newest book. Buy their CDs and listen to them while driving to sales calls, business meetings, etc. Join your local chamber of commerce and hone those networking skills. Seminars, and even the more cost-effective, time saving webinars, can you keep you up-to-date on the latest innovations and ideas in your area of expertise.
Talk to trusted associates who are successful and find out how they do their day to day business to keep the customers and money rolling in. Financial advisors often have an inside scoop on what is currently flourishing in the market. Remember the importance of social media. People are online all day posting their business information along with articles, blogs, videos, news posts, etc. about what is hot and what is not. Follow those in your expertise who are successful and read what they post and what they recommend.
Again, never discount your customers’ willingness to divulge what they want and who is providing it. They may be more than happy to let you know why they do more business with the competition. Listen to what is important to them and why. Keep your ears and eyes open. Let people tell you what is important, how to do something well, and learn what makes one business more successful than another. People are more than happy to talk about themselves and their accomplishments. Listen and learn.
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July 17th, 2009 by Sara Dee
The introduction template for the Email ResponderPro mentioned that “the boss” would check back with potential customers to see if they had any questions or concerns. The next template can be customized to hit on the key points of the introduction and try to address some potential issues for the prospective customer.
A time-saving, cost-effective attribute of the Email ResponderPro is the ability to customize it. When first sending out an introduction email, you can draft the follow-up email and set it to send at an appropriate time.
Hello *Potential Customer*,
I am *Boss*, the owner of *Business*, and I sent you an introductory email last week along with a catalog. I am hoping that you have had some time to look over our products. I am ready to answer any questions that you may have. I have included a link below for you to visit and express any concerns that you have. I will get back to you as soon as I am able to address these concerns.
Thank you,
*Boss*
link to visit
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July 10th, 2009 by Sara Dee
Using an automated email response system like the Email ResponderPro is an excellent tool to mass market your business. You can introduce yourself and your business to thousands in one click. You can customize your message to focus on certain aspects of your service to appeal to different customers. This will allow you to reach potential customers without expending too much time or money.
Hello *Potential Customer*
My name is *Boss* and I am the owner of *Business*. We specialize in the sales and service of *product*. I have included a catalog of products for you to look over. We are able to help you better your sales by *supplying particular service*. Please take a moment to look over our products, some of the businesses we currently serve, and some of our reviews by your business peers. I look forward to working with you. We can be found at *Address, Phone Number, Website* Please be advised that we are currently offering a “first-time buyer’s” discount. I will be in touch in the next few days to answer any questions. Thank you.
*Boss*
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July 3rd, 2009 by Sara Dee
As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, I am reminded of opportunity – opportunity, hard work, sacrifice, and advantages – to be exact. In all things worthwhile, there is sacrifice and hard work. Every accomplishment has a price, but it is usually a price worth paying.
I am fortunate to have a job and fewer and fewer are lucky enough to say that this year. My money (a mere pittance) was not “invested” by a ne’er do well. My family and friends (for the most part) are healthy and employed. These reasons are all impetus for working harder and smarter.
I am reminded to not take things for granted and to take advantage of the opportunities I have been awarded. I plan to invest in myself, my work, my clients and my good fortune for the rest of the summer and beyond. Hopefully business will continue to grow for us all and we will have the drive and courage to go out and make new opportunities.
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July 1st, 2009 by Sara Dee
One of the many benefits of the Email ResponderPro is the customizable features that it has. Using this type of email response system for more than just an “out of office reply” can accelerate business. Customers and vendors alike can give you positive feedback regarding your business.
Surveys are an easy way to get some basic information regarding the reputation of your service. The first template is aimed at customers to get some ideas on maintaining or improving current business practice.
Dear *Customer*,
In an attempt to better serve you, we have assembled a survey for your input. For anonymity’s sake, you may go to the link below and be directed to the survey. Please feel free to comment on any areas that you feel need attention.
Thank you,
*Your Business*
A basic survey could include:
Are you happy with our response time regarding returning phone calls or getting you the desired information?
Have you been satisfied with answers and do you feel that we are knowledgeable and trustworthy?
How do you feel our prices compare with competitors?
Is customer service satisfactory?
Would you do repeat business with us based on your experience?
Have you referred us to anyone? Would you be willing to refer us?
Have there been any negative issues that you have experienced?
Do you trust, and feel comfortable with, your salesperson?
What are some areas that you feel we need to improve upon?
What are some areas in which we excel?
Make sure to leave room for comments. Any and all information can strengthen your service. These are basic ideas that can be customized for your business. You just might learn something that can help future business.
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