Practice The Art of Networking…
When it comes to sales, networking with others has always been important. Before the technological age, word of mouth, was “the way” others heard about you, your business and product. While these days, there are endless ways potential customers may hear about you, networking with others still plays an intricate role. In fact, with more competition, networking may be more important than ever.
I recently read, “ABN: Always Be Networking,” an article found in the March/April 2010 issue of Selling Power magazine, that I found interesting. According to the article, “informal networking can happen almost any time, anywhere, and savvy business professionals should put themselves in position to meet influential individuals whenever possible.”
Following are 10 Ways to maximize networking efforts I wanted to share from the article:
- Practice the art of the speedy turnaround. After meeting someone, it is a good practice to follow up with them (24 hours is ideal) with an e-mail, or hand written note, expressing how you enjoyed you conversation, etc.
- Open the lines of communication. Keep new contacts informed about your activities, promotions, sales, etc.
- Prop yourself up. Establish yourself as a person of integrity, and a professional. Share your accomplishments, and those of your company.
- Become a networking catalyst. Create opportunities for contacts to get together, whether on-line or otherwise.
- Be yourself. People are more likely to be drawn to you for who you are than someone you might pretend to be. Let your personality shine through.
- Stay attuned. Let people talk about themselves. Get to know them.
- Getting to know you Focus on the person, not just a potential customer. Relationships are huge when it comes to sales.
- You have 2 ears and 1 mouth. Listen twice as much as you speak. Ask questions to learn more about a person.
- What’s a next step? Exchange business cards, and possibily set up a lunch meeting, etc.
- Stay upbeat. Always smile and let your positivity show. Positive breeds positive!
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Industry News, Marketing on May 25th, 2010 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Granite Countertops And Price Haggling…
When it comes to used car dearlerships, most people are familiar with price haggling. From the time you walk in the door, look around, and see the price stickers, many people are ready “to deal” with the salesperson, until they feel like they are getting a bargain. Well I don’t know about you, but used car dealerships have always turned me off. I personally do not the like the haggling, even if it is expected. I always thought, “What’s wrong with selling something for a fair price?”
Well lately, I feel like the remodeling industry, and countertop business in general, has turned into somewhat of a haggling business, and boy am I turned off by it! What is it with people who try and nickel and dime you to death? These days, it is almost an everyday occurence. Some customers feel it is necessary to mention that they can get their granite countertops from “so and so” for “such and such” a price. Some customers also threaten that, ”if you can’t match the price we’ll use the other competitor,” even though the whole time they really aren’t interested. Again…”What’s wrong with selling something for a fair price?”
When is the last time you walked in to your local Cub Foods, or other grocery store, and started haggling about the cost of milk, or bread? How about walking into your local Wal-Mart to negotiate a price on a stereo? Give me a break. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with comparison shopping, but look around please. How is Competitor A, different from Competitor B, or C? Could it be that Competitor A has better Customer Service, a better website, employee’s that are willing to help and go the extra mile, people that answer the phones, a shop full of running equipment, installers and measuring technicians, etc. ? Now let’s look at the price? Is it worth it to you to pay more for Competitor A? If so, why not pay what they are asking, as long as it is within reason, and leave the price haggling for those car dealerships!
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite, Industry News on May 18th, 2010 by Barb | | 0 Comments
2010 Coverings Show Features Latest Products & Technology For Stone Industry…
Last week, Chris & I had the opportunity to attend Coverings, one of the largest trade shows in America for the stone and tile industry. The event was held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida and ran Tuesday, April 27 through Friday, April 30th. The show included more than 1000 exhibit booths from suppliers and distributors from around the world displaying stone, equipment, tile, tooling, etc.
Coverings is always a fun show to attend, since there is so much to take in and see. Whether you are interested in fabrication equipment, sinks, tile, granite slabs, fountains, etc., it is always exciting to see the latest technology and trends.
Following are some pictures to enjoy from the show:
Entrance to Coverings
Chris Rodgers of PGC looking at some cool slabs.
That’s me in front of a cool-looking onyx slab.
Jeff Handley of the MIA, and Barb & Chris Rodgers from PGC at MIA Booth
Granite Fountains
A neat-looking vessel sink
Inside the Coverings show
Inside the Coverings show
Cosmuz granite
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Company, Granite, Industry News on May 3rd, 2010 by Barb | | 2 Comments
Granite Countertops And Pitting…
We recently had a customer concerned about pitting in their countertops. While pitting is common in all granites, I wanted to explain the term a little more in depth.
Granite is one of the hardest materials available today for countertops. It is composed of a variety of different minerals, each having their own hardness. Granite is made of an assortment of minerals including quartz, feldspar, biotite, titanium oxides, as well as some other mineral combinations, depending on the color. According to “A Homeowner’s Guide to Natural Stone Countertop Installation,” a publication by the MIA, “On the Mohs Scale of Hardness, diamonds are the hardest mineral, with a rating of 10. Quartz and feldspar have a hardness of 6.5 to 7 and are very durable. Biotite (also known as mica) on the other hand is very soft (2.5) and flakes easily. All true granites have biotite in their composition, and because biotite is relatively soft and flaky, the first few layers are removed during the polishing process, causing pits throughout the slab.” Some granites contain more pitting than others, depending on the amount of biotite, or mica throughout the slab.
Although pits are common in all granites and occur naturally, it does not make the stone inferior. Over the years, pitting has become less noticeable for consumers because of the availability of resin-impregnated slabs. Many suppliers today, apply resin to their slabs in an effort to help fill pits, cracks, or fissures. “The procedure involves applying a resin over a sawn slab, usually in an automated process. The resin is allowed to cure, which may or may not be accelerated with a heat application. Once the resin is cured, the slab is then polished.” The polishing process removes most of the resin, leaving resin only in areas of pits, fissures, etc.
If you have questions pertaining to pitting when selecting granite for your countertops, please ask. We are glad to answer your questions.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite, Industry News on April 8th, 2010 by Barb | | 2 Comments
2010 Home and Garden Show A Success!
This years Home and Garden show proved to be a success. Consumers were eager to get out and take a look the latest products, and trends for 2010. With the economy starting to pick up, people seemed more optimistic, and many are ready to get going on some remodeling projects, including granite countertops. Traffic at this year’s show also seemed higher and steadier than last year.
The Minneapolis Home and Garden show was held at the Minneapolis Convention Center and ran February 24th through February 28th.
Following are a few photos I wanted to share from the show:
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Company, Granite, Industry News on March 1st, 2010 by Barb | | 0 Comments
