Quote of the Week

"Confidence and enthusiasm are the greatest sales producers in any kind of economy." -- O.B. Smith

If you want to keep your sales up in a lagging economy, approach each day with the same confidence and enthusiasm you did in good times. Easier said than done? Then, take a few minutes each morning to remind yourself of your triumphs over adversity. And, while you're at it, remind yourself why your customers need your solutions. What do they like about using your product or service? What is special about doing business with you and your company? These positive thoughts are sure to boost your confidence and help you sail through the tough times.

Grow Your Sales by Watching the Home Shopping Network

The strike by the Writer's Guild of America has made watching my favorite TV shows a thing of the past...actually, it has made watching any decent show a thing of the past. So what to watch besides reruns or reality shows? Sales trainer Al Uszynski suggests you turn to QVC or the Home Shopping Network - not for the entertainment value, but for the sales lessons that can be learned.

"While you might not sell products to consumers, through observation you might learn a thing or two about what works (and what doesn't work) when it comes to selling," says Uszynski.

Uszynski suggests you ask yourself the following questions:

• How would you describe the enthusiasm of the salesperson?
• How are testimonials woven into the sales presentation?
• How do they use pricing terms to make the purchase seem minimal?
• Do you trust the salesperson? Why or why not?
• How do they use the limited quantity or time to their advantage?

Apply what you learn to your own sales presentation. Hurry now! Quantities are going fast!

Al Uszynski is a results-focused sales trainer and professional speaker. His proven, quick-start sales training program, "15 Ways to Grow Your Sales Tomorrow" helps sales professionals ignite immediate sales growth. Learn more by visiting www.Uszynski.com.

Quote of the Week

"For every sale you miss because you're too enthusiastic, you will miss a hundred because you're not enthusiastic enough." - Zig Ziglar

Enthusiasm can't mask inadequacies or inexperience, but it can help set you apart. All things being relatively equal, I'm buying from the salesperson who demonstrates that he wants my business, every time. I know he'll be there for me when things inevitably go wrong or we need a rush job.

My advice: never neglect to tell your prospects you want them as customers. Ask for the business! - Tina LoSasso, SalesDog.com Managing Editor