We have all had a customer or client tell us “No” in a polite sort of way.

I can’t have a party because….
I can’t buy this without asking my spouse…
The economy is really hurting me right now….
My house isn’t clean enough….
My goldfish died…

You have heard so many different reasons, but have you gotten your responses in place for when they do come?

Scripting a response in situation like this is a really good idea. You know the types of excuses you get. So script the answers with questions. You won’t cave at the sound of a negative response and can actually make some additional sales this way. Practice on a friend or in a mirror.

Turning a negative into a positive, now that’s cool!

As a small businessperson, you have no greater leverage than the truth.

John Greenleaf Whittier

With the investment we make in our business time wise, it is also critical to invest in the improvement of our skills. Depending on the company, they may or may not provide you with sales seminars and info to help you develop and grow professionally. It is up to you to do it on your own regardless of the assistance your company provides if you want to grow your business.

Picking up a good sales book a week is a great way to start. Also look into seminars and blogs. There is a lot of great resources out there that are not expensive or in many instances, no charge.

Make a committment to hone your craft and treat yourself to a good business book or blog, like this one LOL or better yet, both.

The meat of our business growth.

So here is an easy question for you….
How many people did you talk to today about your business?
How many business cards did you give out or get?

Ok that was 2 questions, but can you clearly answer them?
hmmmmmmmmm??

Sales is a tough job. Its definately not for sissy’s and I am no different than the next gal. Sometimes I feel like a sissy though and wonder if I am doing the right thing. If I am selling the right product, or even if I am supposed to be where I am right now.

How do you really know that you are in the right place?

Are you supposed to judge your “rightness” by income? By number of customers? Customer satisifaction?

Who is the judge when you are in business for yourself? Me of course. But if you are not sure you are supposed to be right here, right now, how can you be a good judge?

Sometimes I want someone to kick me in the butt or hold my hand. How do I grow big ones like some of the men I know? How do I reinspire myself when I am the only one here?

HELLO??? Business Me, are you there?? Show me the way to greatness!

The price of excellence is discipline.
The cost of mediocrity is disappointment.

William Arthur Ward

You know what really sucks is that I jot down all these great ideas for posts, articles and weekly tips and such because I can’t remember this mornings breakfast anymore, but now I can’t remember where I put my list. So I guess the tip for today will be use the same notebook to write down your thoughts, goals and not scraps of paper somewhere on your desk. GRRRR

Does this mean I am suggesting organization in your office? NOOOooooo!! Am I getting senile? Old?…. *sigh*

I love doing thoughts for the day when I find a good one that pertains to our business acumin. They kinda make you, well, think!

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The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.

Mark Twain

It is a well known fact that personal and business coaching as well as having a mentor does really help with business. But price can be a factor for some. There are some really well known direct sales coaches and speakers that you can benefit from for little to no cost.

Ilene Meckley is one of my favorites. Her newletters are full of great information for all sides of your business. I encourage you to stop by her website Ilene Meckley.com and sign up for her news letter. She also does speaking engagements for teams. If you have a large group of direct sales people in your area, she will do a private chat, just for you.

You can check out her calendar and see if she is close to your town this year. If so, make a point of seeing her. Also her books, cd’s and other info are top notch.

And no, I do not get a kick back. I just love her info and heart!

Since it is mid year, now would be a good time to update and check your progress on your yearly goals.

What tweaks do you need to make?
What things do you need to start working on to complete by year end?
What have you accomplished already?