We are living in a time when the news is often reported first on Twitter as opposed to our local cable news channel. We can interact with anyone around the world at basically any time through a number of messaging and social networking apps like Facebook and WhatsApp. So why is it that sales professionals and business owners are still reluctant to embrace social media and social networking as the way of the future to grow sales and their business? I don’t think this can be answered in one simple answer, so let’s dissect it a little further.
First off, the days of cold-calling people by going through the Yellow Pages is over — because we don’t use phone books regularly anymore, and I don’t see them ever making a comeback. We can search for anything we want to find on Google and get an answer in seconds.
This is one of the top reasons why all salespeople and business professionals should be active on social media and have an attractive brand that makes others want to connect with or follow them. What I like to tell my clients who I teach about growing their business online is that we live in a world where — when we hear of a new company, person or colleague, or we have an idea pop into our heads — we immediately resort to Googling them to see what we can find.
We live in a world where we have an abundance of information at our fingertips, and what you need to ask yourself is this: What will someone find if they Google your name?
If they can’t find any solid references, websites, media mentions or social profiles, meaning that your online real estate assets are next to nothing, it is probably costing you sales. If the results that come up are filled with positive media mentions and your social profiles are filled with accurate and up to date information (and reference of you actually being real), you’ll be able to start on a positive note with your new prospect. Here are some ways to do that.
Tips To Increase Sales Online
Something I learned recently from an event I attended was that when you’re marketing or packaging your product online, you need to have the buyer in mind at all times. Don’t put what you want into your marketing or social presence: Put what the buyer wants. One strategic way you can do this with your online presence is by thinking like the buyer. Put yourself in their shoes and ask yourself if you would buy this product the way that it’s packaged or sold. Something else I’ve done to really narrow down offerings and make sure that buyers want what I’m selling is to run a quick test online. Ask your social audience specific questions about their preferences, which can be as simple as picking a color: blue or red?
By asking your audience simple questions and getting their input, you are going to create a far superior product, service or presence than if you create something without asking a potential buyer. Remember, think about the buyer when packaging whatever it is you’re selling — which includes your social media presence. If you implement this right now, I’m confident you’re going to increase your sales.
How To Gain Attention Online And Why You Need To Be There
Yes, it may be more difficult than ever to get someone’s attention online in a very noisy world, but the best way is to be different. Don’t be like everyone else; do things differently. For some reason, we as humans are attracted to odd things, so if you get one takeaway from reading this article I challenge you to think and be different in 2019.
Now you’re thinking: How can I be different? Well, there are several ways, but let me give you one that I’ve used and continue to use with success. Study some top companies in other industries that have great online social accounts and their presence in general. Look at what they do, and see what works and what doesn’t.
Studying different industries aside from yours will give you a different perspective you may have missed before. For example, see if there is something you could take from the fashion world and bring it into the accounting world to spice things up a bit. Maybe your industry right now is very dry and always “business”; find a way to bring some humor or positivity into the mix. These are just a few simple tactics you can use in your branding to be different in a sea of noise.
Remember that being different is an asset, not a liability. If you strive to raise awareness for your product or service in a different way than what your competitors are doing, it will be intriguing to others. I bet your following and prospect pool will grow.
One last and very important reason why you should be active on social media daily as a salesperson or business professional is very simple: Your prospects are there.
Sounds simple, right? Well, it kind of is — because according to a 2016 Pew Research Center survey, 77% of workers surveyed reported they used social media while on the job. I know I’m one of these people for sure. Stop thinking that social media is just a place to share photos of friends and family and instead embrace the positive capabilities it has to grow your business and sales. I’m confident your business will thank you for it.
[“source=forbes”]
