Sales
Some say there are two types of business people -- folks who can make stuff and folks who can sell stuff. If you haven't sold anything since you went door to door for Girl Scouts or the school soccer team, here are a few things to consider.
Articles & Advice
Do small businesses have different sales outsourcing needs to larger businesses?
Whether you're Verizon Wireless or Jim's Tin-Can-and-String Phone Store, your needs are, on some level, just the same. Revenue in, reputation up. And not necessarily in that order.
Why would a company outsource their sales process?
SalesFocusInc., in Woodbine, Maryland, ask this question: Do you have the skill in your organization to develop, hire, train and manage a sales staff? If you're like most small-business owners, the answer is probably “No.”
Which companies offer sales management outsourcing services?
You've decided to outsource your sales process. The question now is: to whom? With hundreds of companies competing for your business, you want to know what makes them worth their fees. The first step is knowing how you want your company to be perceived.
Sales outsourcing--because hiring the right people is hard to do.
The cost of hiring unproductive sales reps that leave you six months later, having taken your money and earned you no customers can cripple a business.
Sales leads
How do I find sales leads? Here are a few tips.
Getting your product on store shelves
What do you really need to know to sell your stuff in stores? Distribution can be a challenge -- everyone isn't going to be able to talk Wal-Mart into selling their product. We have a guide to understanding the path to the store shelf.
How to price what you're selling
What should you charge? Pricing questions keep consultants and MBA-folks employed. It’s the most fundamental question you’re going to ask. Here are five ways to think about setting a price for what you're selling.
Marketing to the best customers for you
Who are the best people to try to sell your stuff to? Well, we recommend you start by selling to people who have money. Fine. But which people with money? The answer is called market segmentation. Here's a primer.
BigCommerce: Big E-tail Features for Small Money
Jennifer Schiff of Small Business Computing describes BigCommerce, a new and inexpensive e-commerce platform for small businesses with “built-in marketing tools, such as a site-wide promotions builder, coupon codes and gift certificates." The software also provides reports showing which products are selling, profit margins, inventory levels and customer locations.
Newswatch: Even bad reviews boost sales
Company.com will launch a "Rating and Review" feature in early 2010. This is a great article on the positive impact ratings and reviews can have on a business ... even if the review is negative!