Follow up and follow through

This past week has been enjoyable. Even potential customers who said "no" took the time to do so. They didn't leave me hanging. They either emailed or called -- or took my call -- and explained that it just wasn't right for them... right now. Cool. That, I can handle.

And several said "yes" when I took the time to make that one last call. Old lessons relearned keep this job interesting. Don't assume anything. If they don't call you back, maybe they forgot. Maybe they lost your contact info. Maybe they're just trying to stay afloat.

As a salesperson, you need to take the initiative, do the follow up and stop blaming clients who never got back to you for your lack of follow up.

Am I talking to myself? Yep.

Tweets and Twitters

It's amazing how much things have changed in the personal communications side of sales. Six months ago I did not Tweet and didn't even have a Facebook page. Now, it's just one more way of staying in touch with friends and potential customers.

In business, your communications solutions really need to include "all of the above". You need to advertise in traditional ways to create a company image and set forth your brand. You then need to monitor your brand, since, more than ever before, it can be damaged while you're out for lunch. When challenged, you need to respond quickly and positively.

The viral benefits of social media can turn against you and your company literally in minutes. Vigilance is required. You can't simply "not participate". Even if you don't Tweet and your company doesn't have a Facebook page, people will talk about you in both positive and negative ways. Will you know what's going on -- before it's too late?