Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Selling for the purpose of Selling / Why product selection is meaningful
We are told to sell what sells, right? Yes, this is fundamentally correct. Although, there are so many things to sell so why just sell to sell? Product selection needs to be purposeful in regards to finding drive and meaning from the sale.
For an example, one that loves to sell cars most likely enjoys and knows of high quality sport, luxury, and import styles and models. With this knowledge over time you desire to have a nice car if you don't already have one. In fact after time passes you will be more compelled to sell the nicer cars too. Over my life experiences I have notices that you want to be apart of what you agree with and desire. So to sell a Kia Rio when you drive, read, and mingle with BMW's is a contrast that causes friction and diminished sales potential. The potential is reduced because you want to be elsewhere and thus you are not as present focused and driven to sell the philosophy of a brand that is not part of your own personal philosophy.
That BMW lover and hobbyist needs to sell BMW's and delve in the potential which is inherent with that modality of appeal.
Appeal is everything outside of function. Benefits are are second to function because function gets results that meet peoples needs. Meeting people needs is just the same as answering their question and making their lives easier. Making lives easier grants permission to buy. Buying equals a sale.
As a business owner I have tried many product lines in the search of the formal appeal to my own taste. I find that you need to not sell what sells only, but sell what sells that also agrees with your philosophies. Our philosophies change over time and this our lines of products will changes too.
Open minded selling contributes to a more honest sell which breads more intuition and desire to continue furthering your self philosophies with your product offerings.
Happy Holidays!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Holiday Sales Pile Up on Ebay
Goals, I thought the goal(s) were to make money. What? Make money! Of course, but what about all those things you want to get, do, and develop? What about results from the push, you know, the new info that you get on how and what motivates you? Yeh, in hard times you really get to know what is behind the ticker.
Remember to keep making those list of what you want, how your going to get it, and how what you do now makes a difference. This is your life so start living it.
Your life. Build your reality.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
The Beginnings: How to Start Your New Business
First, lets get back to the basics. What we do not want is making the start up complicated and ugly. We want fluid common sense to be a building block for our new business structure. This is what I would do to start:
- Find out what you want to do. Look at your options, if the business has not been created then create one.
- Research what is under-served in you targeted consumer population. Build around the needs of the population instead of the dare to do something different.
- Sell within the under served market those services and products that you enjoy engaging with. The more you enjoy the market your in the more you will want to do it and do it well.
- Learn everything you can about your market. Be a mini expert in your field. Set yourself up to be a reference source in the future so that others can learn form you.
- Diversify within a niche for maximum results. Build a client base that you know personally and can grow with there needs.
- Set aside time to be with family and friends. Business can be brutal on your health if you do not learn to relax and de-stress.
- Take time for yourself to sit in quiet and review a plan a action. Have detailed goals with timeline and make them realistic.
- make a list of all the things you want and check them off when you get them. Use your list as a motivation tool to grow your business and make each and every sale meaningful.
Best to you!
Business Doctor
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Neat Stuff Equates to More Sales
Whatever you sell, try to focus on what your competition does not serve, sell, or support. Find a niche that is a derivative of the needs of those around you but not exclusively satisfied by local businesses. A growing item for fishing, hunting, self defense, and utility applications are neck tools. These tools can range from a knife, to fire starter, to markers, scissors, flashlight combos, pliers, and many more variations. This would be a great niche, the "Neck Gear" store. While many sellers may stock some of the items available, I would imagine no one has a complete comprehensive collection of most of the gear available for neck wear.
Keep your eyes out. What is neat to read, look at, and appeals to the masses? What appeals to specific groups of consumers? Finally, what is stopping you from creating this niche?
Best regards,
Business Doctor
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
New Products Boost Interest
Thursday, June 19, 2008
The Take Off & Slow Down of Internet Sales
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Multiple Streams of Income Equals Level of Wealth
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Wanted: Ways to Sell
Where and how can we sell. This is my list of ideas that I find the most practical and most comfortable. Everyone has their comfort zones slightly different than each other, so keep that in mind.
Ebay, yes, as much as I want to say there is now something better, I must say it is a place for addicted seller to group and fudge around. Ebay is becoming more expensive and restrictive. The categories are more rigid and the means in which to calculate your feedback has changed again. For sellers you are not allowed to leave negative or neutral feedback. Wow. What a load of crap. Ebay is moving in the wrong direction if you ask me, but with that said, they still drive customers to the site.
You Tube, a cool place to look up reviews and sell a few items either through earning a commission for leads that purchase or generating your own sales person to person. This is a neat way to customize the sales presentation and show off the service or product as you would intend.
Blogs, you can make some commission with blogs but you really need traffic and alot of original content. This is a minor source for most people in the generation of extra cash.
Flea Markets, cool local places to hang out and sell person to person. Meet new people and generate leads for new business.
There are many other but these are my favorite. Thanks and feel free to share your favorite places to sell! Cheers!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Economic Stimulus Checks
- If you have debt, pay it down.
- If you do not have an emergency fund, create one or build on it. Experts say you need between 3 to 6 months of living expenses to survive financially a major illness or injury.
- If you are not saving or not saving enough for retirement then add to that.
- Invest in education if your lifestyle is not what you want.
- Buy things that you enjoy and appreciate in value.
By sticking to these measures you will benifit from the Economic Stimulus Check the Federal Government is issuing. Enjoy!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Reinventing Protection Products
Cell Phone
.380 or higher caliber pistol
Pocket knife / Multi-tool
Pepper Spray
Flashlight
These sound fairly reasonable but not many people carry these items. For this reason this market has a way to grow, populations to feed off of, and new venues to grow roots. You can put on your keychain a mini LED flashlight, mini pepper spray canister, and a pocket knife tool. You can conceal your pistol in a fanny pack, ankle holster, or on your belt. Your cell phone and easily slide in your pocket or clip on your belt. As you can see, it does not take much effort to have the tools to protect yourself when the time comes. This business model of being "prepared" is a major motivator in times of media projected violence. Check out your potential with this industry.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Personal Protection is Cash Cow King
What does this mean for business? Simply that opportunities are plentiful. Use personal protection services, products, and information to up-sell to your clients and add value to your transactions. When people feel safer they send more, become more flexible, and develop better emotional bonds making business relations more prosperous.
Search today and find products that can provide added value to your prospects while filling needs in small niches.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Reinventing Pocket Pistols / The Ruger LCP
Ruger LCP Model #3701 .380 auto
6+1 Capacity
2.75" Steel Barrel
9.4 ounces empty
5.16" Overall Length
.82" Overall Width
Slide is made of Through-Hardened Steel
Frame material is of High Performance Glass Filled Nylon
Trigger is noted in most reviews to be about 5 lbs but manufacturer states about 8lbs
Blued Steel Slide
MSRP $330 but can be found as low as $247.51 @ http://www.rrarms.com/ and $255.93 @ http://www.thegunsource.com/
This pocket pistol comes with a soft case, (1) magazine, external locking device, and instructional manual.
This highly concealable pistol is ideal for those with concealed carry permits and those who need a reliable lightweight pocket pistol. The main reason that we are highlighting this product is because of the attention Ruger has invested to meet a growing demand for pocket pistols.
Ruger has broken free of their traditional line of products and offer now an item that places them in a more competitive position (business security) well into the future. Ruger is a fine example of a company that was well past due for an upgrade in product offerings and representation in specific segments of under served markets. The personal defense segment is a large and growing arena that will provide companies like Ruger to further develop new innovative and diverse offerings. Ruger is known for high quality firearms, but now they are using the reputation to fill gaps left in markets that large gun makers have ignored.
Ruger and their new LCP Pocket Pistol have spotted a need and are filling it. This is what drives markets to compete and become creative. From Ruger's response will come many company's version of LCP pocket pistol. The LCP was not the first attempt of pocket pistols, but a rebirth of purpose and attention to demand for personal protection. The LCP has brought new life that will fuel others to develop versions that will in time but pressure on Ruger to upgrade their line of products. Take note that this is what every manufacturer and seller needs to be doing everyday. Upgrade your notion of what needs to be created and do that. Over time needs change and thus you will need to change too.
Go to: http://www.ruger.com/LCP/360View.html for further information on this product. Comments about your views on Ruger's decision to create the LCP are greatly appreciated.
Best regards!
Monday, April 7, 2008
Brand Names Help Build Personal Recognition
Keep in mind why people buy. People buy because of their emotional response to a product or service. People want to be apart of the brand Swiss Army thus they buy Swiss Army. People buy what they are connected to. Customers struggle to become what is recognized and established. Most consumers await you to tell them what to buy. People in general are followers. Become one of the creators and leader and bank off the established names of quality in your culture.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Strength Comes From Many Sources / Customer Relations
The sources for strength in your sales and business image is mostly the result of dedication from your supports and internal drive (personal vision reinforced with action). Customers can aid in your understanding of what is appealing and not, what sells, and what creates interest. Start with how you can better the business and then answer with what action or product. Customer relations is key to repeat, and dedicated buyers. While consumers are less brand or store loyal than say twenty to thirty years ago, the impression left can still bring them back for more.
Think about your favorite restaurant. What makes the food so good? Is it the serve and attention to the details that keeps you coming back? What can you do to keep bring your customers back with interest and spunk? Make a list of all the things you can do for the short and long term that could create loyalty with your customers while bring in new ones too!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Finding and Maintaining Goals: Business & Personal
Creating and maintaining a list of goals is essential for developing success and direction. For energy to be purposeful and focused, businesses and individuals need to have ideas and mental pictures of what they want to achieve. Thinking about these goal is a great start. But to further them in the physical world you need to write them down, talk about them with others, and develop strategy to manifest the results you seek.
Planning is important, but believe in self promotes action causing creation.
A simple exercise that I use is taking out a notebook or a sheet of paper and write down all the things you want, want to do, and want to give to others. After writing these down over a ten minute period prioritize each. Write for each item what you would have to do to get that item or experience. Write at least three to five different ways to create the opportunity of ownership. This will prove and help develop your sense of flexibility.
Never quit, never surrender, and keep track of all your successes. Things change when you want them to.
Best regards.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Sales & What it Means to You / Internet Business Opportunites & Product Offerings.
Selling, the action of convincing. Sales has several components, one of which is convincing others that what you offer will meet their needs. Many people ask the Business Doctor, "what should I sale and how should I sell it?" The Business Doctor can not tell you what to sell or how to sell it because every item is different, markets chance, demand fluctuates, people have different needs in different parts of the world. Selling is a very human act of persuasion, identifying emotional triggers, evaluating value, and enhancing task completion. Sales should mean that an outcome of emotional satisfaction is being delivered to others by means of your relationship with prospect, product offerings, and solving of the problems presented by your prospect. Sales should be meaningful, fun, and educational for both parties. Needs should be filled, prospects should self convince, and emotions should been identified to properly close a sale.
The internet has many platforms for sales, some better than others. You can build your own, but most take a minimum of 6 months to a year to get enough exposure to be found. The internet is a very large and sometimes complicated series of distractions and advertisement fighting for your time, energy, and money. Your job is to sell, and to do that on the internet is sometimes enhanced by using an existing platform like Ebay. Ebay already is well established and provides unbeatable advertising for you. Ebay is the most well known and advertised brand in history.
Ebay is a simple internet based platform that can offer you many options to sell your item. What item? Once again, this depends on the time of year, what is hot, what is selling, and what is under served in the market. Use your research tools provided by ebay to find out what these are. Selling should start out in a niche, develop this niche that over time creates a platform that attracts repeat buyers, mindful professionals, and those that need information to make an informed decision. Give your time and educate. People will pay you for this by giving you their business in the long run. Be professional and learn all you can about what you are selling. Be the authority and the answer person. Best regards form the Business Doctor.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Tax Refunds & The Economic Stimulus Plan
Ebay continues to surge for the pre season of spring. Coupled with lower insertion fees and a new advertising campaign, Ebay is making waves against rival Amazon which has been taking business from them for the last several years.
Business opportunities are abound, buy low, sell high, and remember to focus on niches that the big boys can't go. This includes superior customer service too. Ebay is a great way also to attract new business to your old website or domain. Use the classified ads to drive up business. Best regards!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Pre Spring Season Buzz is Hitting Ebay !!!!
People are getting ready for spring. Yes, that's right. We are about a month away from potential spring like weather in most of the US. While the weather is not going to be perfect, the season is upon us. Ebay sales are starting to surge for the spring season. Spring is an important time for retailers, most possibly the second largest surge in the retail year. While summer is flat for most sales, spring, fall, and early winter are the best for sales due to obvious reasons.
Get ready to list some auctions! Spring is near!
Monday, February 18, 2008
Diversify, Create, & Fullfill To Attract Your Customers on Ebay
Diversify your product line within a niche. Provide ample reasons why to buy and what the item can provide. Give examples from yourself, your previous customers, and provide other ideas that are "out of the box". Providing an authority on a grouping of product type is a sure way to get attention and respect.
Create an auction which educates and provides useful techniques for getting your job done better, faster, and safer. Create a clear message for meeting your clients needs.
Fullfill your clients needs not only with the product but with service. Customer service, product service and repair, and education are very much apart of the needs people and businesses seek.
Use a combination of diversity, creation, and fullfillment to secure your company for many years to come.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
The New Ebay / Listing Fee Change ! New Opportunities
The world's largest online sales platform in competition with Amazon anounces a major fee change. Competition has robbed Ebay of customers and sellers over the last several years. Amazon a direct threat to Ebay is known for its modest fee structure. Ebay in return has dropped there listing fees lower and in some cases dramaticly changed policies too.
This is a great time to check out or rediscover Ebay as a suppliment income, primary income, or an venue to expand your current business venture. Ebay the worlds most advertised and well known brand has taken storm since opening to the public in 1995. Ebay has revolutionized online auctions and category variety for the world's free markets.
With the new fee structure you can put up more than double in some cases that before for the same price. The first Gallery Picture is free and other service are reduced in cost. The final value fee has risen from 5.25% to 8.75% for the first twenty-five dollars. This is still a better deal in most cases than the previous fee structure. Only if you own an Ebay store or sell high dollar murchandise will you see an increase. Store's final value fee increased from 10% to 12% for the first 25 dollars. Many store owners are upset and are threatening to leave. Ebay at times seem like the share holders are the only people that count. I have sold on Ebay for several year now and see many changes. Ebay account: Stealth_Distribution. While change can be good, I think that the new rule that sellers are not allowed to give negative feedback is a bad one. Ebay may be hurting themselves more than helping.
With the positive and negative sides of change within Ebay there still are great opportunities with the new fee structure to take advantage of. The new structure focuses on minimizing front end cost with your auctions and fixed price offering, opening potential for more sales.
Check out these links for more information:
Seller Update: Fees, Rewards & StandardseBay buyers want value and selection from sellers they can trust--and good sellers deserve rewards for delivering great customer service.
Reduced Listing FeesYou asked, we listened. We're reducing Insertion Fees and adjusting Final Value Fees to lower your up-front cost to sell on eBay. You wanted free Gallery, now you've got it--plus more feature discounts.
Lower Insertion Fees
Free Gallery picture with every listing
Lower fees for Gallery Plus, Picture Pack, and Feature Plus
Rewards for great sellersThere will be discounts and incentives for those who satisfy customers best. Who decides who gets rewarded? Customers do, by giving sellers high Detailed Seller Ratings (DSRs). You get:
Fee discounts for PowerSellers
Unpaid Item protection for PowerSellers
Expanded seller protection for PowerSellers from PayPal
More search exposure through Best Match
Feedback ChangesSignificant changes coming soon will increase buyer confidence and showcase good sellers.
Buyers will only be able to receive positive Feedback.
Positive repeat customer Feedback will count and Feedback more than 12 months old won't.
Negative and neutral Feedback left by the buyer will be removed for transactions in which a buyer doesn't respond to the Unpaid Item (UPI) or if the member is suspended.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Writing Great Descriptions On Ebay / Auction Management
- Create a Heading Title reintroducing your item from the main Title. Use bold and not underline to grab attention. This Heading Title needs to have specific information like brand, model number, color, size, and type.
- Create an introduction paragraph ranging from 2 to 4 lines welcoming and introducing who you are and what you are selling.
- In the second paragraph provide a detailed description of the product examining the features and benefits of the item. This should include brand, model number, color, size, weight, purpose, type of product, age, condition, name, and a variety of uses which could be done with this item.
- In closing always thank the potential buyer or shopper for viewing auction and wish them the best. Include anything extra such as gift wrapping services, insurance, warranty information, and other information that is needed or is available through your services.
- Lastly, add a line or two on shipping & handling, insurance, shipping time, and other items that may be similar to this one that you sell or service.
After you write your description proof read to catch grammar and syntax errors. Be careful to never talk down to your potential clients and provide clear cut answers and reasons why someone would buy from you.
Best regards and happy Ebaying!
Friday, January 18, 2008
Things Get Better The More You Do - Business On The Other Side
Selling involves an intense ritual of self reflection for how people operate. Emotional investment is mandatory for explicit tuning into peoples needs, wants / desires, and purpose. Awareness is key for development in relationships especially in business.
Business on the "other side" or within, is complex and engaging so much so that it involves more than we can give or understand. So time, experience, emotion, goals, motivation, eagerness, and a host of many other factors play roles in our functioning in this higher plain. Business people are exclusive in the nature that they possess. Business people are key to economies but further more just as important at the local markets and the home bound office. People of the business world create and form the future of culture, traditions of time, and the means to support the evolution of character for society.
It is with great fervor that I conclude that I am a part of this community. A business person at heart, I devourer growth, potential, and fulfillment by providing the products others need to grow themselves. Serving others really is the ultimate occupation. Find out how you can further your contributions. It may be as simple as not quiting your dream business and maintaining what you are currently doing. Be the voice of reason, the force of determination, the example of fulfillment. The other side is amazing!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Business Opportunities Begin With Helping Others
In today's world it is too easy to set up shop and forget about the start ups that are struggling around you. These start ups may be future competition but more likely an allied if you extend a helping hand. When we all started up our business we took time to develop and craft what we do. We had to find the terminology and develop customers by finding niches that were in demand. What we have to remember is every one started small before they got big. Lending a helping hand can be very rewarding by the friendships that can be developed and the business opportunities. Larger businesses can buy more and thus get a better price than the smaller seller, so it is in the interest of the little start up to sell what is not sold by the big businesses. Businesses with time on their side can aid start up companies in providing a standard in business relations. Relations is key to repeat customers and cultivating new clientele for the future.
Us bigger businesses need to stop from time to time and give a little back to those who are trying to better themselves. Give advise when you can, provide sources for references, and give the gift of time to answer questions that are in need of experience and not text book wisdom. Sales is an art, be artistic and create a business world starting with the new start ups that will appreciate its customers and promote high standards.
Monday, January 7, 2008
A Year of Business Opportunities ! Diversify !
- Business's that succeed serve others through services, product education, physical product offering, and problem solving such as consulting and future planning.
- Business's that grow use their customer base and expand by positive word of mouth, positive and engaging advertising, and reputation for knowledge and authority in the field they represent.
- Small business's need to focus on niche's that are under served or not served at all because the field or need is too small or complex for the larger companies to serve.
By diversifying your income, your product or service line, you become more steadfast in turbulent times such as it is a the time of this writing. Investing in the companies you know are strong, investing in your business, and investing in your education are the single largest factors for your success in becoming financially secure. Live below your means and create new opportunities weekly!
Best regards !
Climb your mountain of opportunity today!
