Technology—The Good, The Bad, And Ugly
It is easy to get accustomed to things that make our life easier such as computers, cell phones, a GPS, etc., but have you ever thought about how amazing technology really is, and how it ever-changing? I’m sure most people at some time, or another have asked themselves, “How did we ever get by without this, or that?” Let’s take the fax machine, for example. Although fax machines existed in various forms since the 19th century, they didn’t become popular & affordable until the mid 1980′s. While this technology is still used today, it is somewhat being replaced by internet capabilities.
Computers are another example of ever-changing technology. Although the first computers were developed in the mid 20th century, they became popular and more affordable in the late 80′s and early 90′s. The computer is one technology that is constantly being revamped to be faster, more efficient, and let’s not forget the ever-changing software.
Speaking of software, this week we finally updated some of our very outdated software—A Good Thing! With all new technology however, especially software, there is a learning curve—The Bad. Although it may take a bit of time to adjust and figure out where this feature is, or that one is, we will learn. Unfortunately, with today’s technology, we have the capability to be ever-connected—The Ugly. Although I was able to sneak out of work for a few hours yesterday to catch a Twins game, I spent part of it talking on my cell phone, & sending text messages back and forth to work to try to resolve some software issues we were having with our database. Oh well! Maybe next time, I’ll just turn my phone off, another technology capability.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Business, Uncategorized on April 23rd, 2010 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Add Value To Your Sales Visits…
Today more than ever, it is important to stress value when selling. While anyone can offer a cheap price, it is important to differentiate yourself from the competition, and having a good sales staff can play a huge role in the whole process. In fact, “a salesperson’s skill can add as much as 50 percent to the perceived value of any product or service,” that according to ”How To Add Value To Every Sales Call,” an article found in the March/April 2010 issue of Selling Power magazine.
That’s huge! That’s why many companies are stringent about hiring qualified individuals, and are willing to pay more for those that can perform. Many companies also carefully groom their sales staff and offer extensive training for them.
“Everything you do is either increasing your perceived value, or detracting from it.” Following are 10 Ways To Increase Your “Perceived Value” rating from the article I wanted to share:
- Be well dressed. It is important to dress neat, and clean. Remember, perception is everything.
- Invest in expensive or good quality accessories. Again, perception! (e.g. a nice pen, briefcase, watch, etc.)
- Have a neat, wll-groomed appearance. Customers will appreciate your attention to detail.
- Practice impeccable manners, politeness, and courtesy. Alwasys try to put your best self forward.
- Never knock the competition. You decrease your own value by doing so.
- Be on time and deliver everything you promise. You are building your reputation.
- Never argue with customers. They may not always be right, but they are always the customer.
- Look for opportunities to so something extra. Small gestures can go a long way and can be very meaningful.
- Plan and prepare each appointment in advance. Organization is key and always promotes a professional image.
- Write thank you notes to each new customer, or prospect. It doesn’t cost anything to say thank you and people appreciate it.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Business, Marketing, Uncategorized on March 30th, 2010 by Barb | | 2 Comments
When It Comes To Cold Calls—Timing Is Everthing
Cold calling has always played a big role in the sales process, no matter what the business. A  new study by Dr. James Oldroyd from the Kellogg School of Management, however, indicates that an individuals success rate may have little to do with their sales skills, and more with the timing of a follow up call, including specific day and time, according to ”The Science of Cold Calling,” an article found in the July/August issue of Selling Power magazine.
“The study examined the electronic logs of more than a million cold calls made by thousands of sales professionals and 50 companies.” When the study was concluded, various patterns of success and failure were revealed and some conventional thinking in regards to cold calling was disputed.
Following are some interesting findings from the article and Dr. Oldroyd’s study:
- Thursday is by far the best day to contact a lead, and Friday is the worst.
- Contrary to popular belief, the best time to call and qualify a lead is 8:00 am to 9:00 am, or 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
- The best way to contact a lead is still by telephone.
- The worst time to contact and qualify a lead is right after lunch, between 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.
- The best odds of qualifying a lead is within 20 minutes of a shown interest. In fact, 5 minutes is the most effective.
- Hiring inside sales reps, over outside sales reps has become the new trend.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Business, Marketing on August 19th, 2009 by Barb | | 0 Comments
MIA features PGC Work!!
In the Spring/Summer 2009 issue of the Marble Institute of America’s (MIA) StoneDimension Magazine, PGC’s work is featured on pages 10 & 18. A few months ago, the MIA contacted us to send some photos of projects that we fabricated and installed. In turn, we asked our contractors to provide some photos of projects that we had installed for them. We had a great response and we were very happy to open the magazine and find two of Bremen Builders projects featured.
Please check out the above links to see the awesome projects. Check out more projects on our photo gallery that we have fabricated and installed.
If you are interested in having some of your projects featured on our website, in our showroom, or possibly in the StoneDimensions Magazine please contact me.
Feel free to share…
Angie
Posted in Business, Company, Granite, Industry News on May 28th, 2009 by Angie | | 0 Comments
Favorite Things…
We all them…those days that just don’t seem to go right. Unfortunately, when we experience days like these, it is easy to feel down and unmotivated. In sales, this can especially be true. Thankfully, if you keep at it, a sale will come through and instantly lifts the spirits.
Yesterday, I came across an interesting perspective on how to restore your motivation when everything seems to be going wrong from ”A Few Of Your Favorite Things,” a Reader Tip, found in the May 2009 issue of Selling Power magazine that I wanted to pass along.
The reader suggested to restore motivation, make a “neat stuff” list of everything that is going right.
- It is a beautiful sunny day.
- I got an appointment with a customer that I’ve been trying to get in contact with for a long time.
- A rebate check came in the mail.
- Etc.
The key is review your list daily, both morning and night, to keep the positive thoughts with you. “Research suggests that after one to two weeks of reviewing your list, you will start feeling more positively focused and energized.
Sounds like a simple way to try and keep positive to me. How about you?
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Business, Company, Marketing on May 21st, 2009 by Barb | | 0 Comments
